Sew Transformed

Can't Stop Loving You

2012-01-31T13:00:00.000-05:00

by Bette Ford

Laura Murdock decides to take a well-deserved and way overdue three week vacation to the Virgin Islands. As a social worker who counsels abused women and children, she has has a problem getting away and taking time for herself. She chose St. John island because her favorite artist, Sebastian, is from there and she hopes to acquire some of his work, not knowing that he is vacationing there as well. Laura gets to meet Sebastian and something of an island affair develops but then she is forced to come to terms with his life back in the States and whether she can be a part of it.

Lots of twists and turns made this a great read and I especially liked that the happy ending brought more challenges than expected.

Handmade Chic

2012-01-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

Fashionable Projects That Look High End, Not Homespun
by Laura Bennett

There has been an explosion of books and blogs lately as a part of a DIY (do-it-yourself) movement. Now, with just a little money and time, you can recreate designer looks at home without mortgaging it in the process. Sometimes, though, even at the hands of highly skilled artisans, the resulting items look a little too "homespun" and not like the things you see on current runways. And that's fine for people who want that look, but there is a void in the market for chic diy books.

Laura Bennett's latest book fills that void. Best known for her sleek, elegant designs on season 3 of Project Runway, Bennett has compiled a collection of accessories that are easy to make and incredibly stylish. What I loved most about it is the inclusion of materials that many shy away from: leather, fur (faux or real), feathers, and beads. Her instructions for buying and using them definitely take the intimidation factor away. The 40 projects include covers for electronics (e-readers, iPads, etc.), wallets, purses, and much more, including embellishing ready-to-wear garments.

This book is a valuable addition to any sewing and craft book library, especially my extensive one!

Sinful Seduction

2012-01-24T18:30:00.000-05:00

by Ann Christopher

In Sinful Seduction, Skylar Lawrence is in a precarious situation. Right before he shipped out to Afghanistan, she broke up with her fiancé, Antonios (Tony) Davies. Soon after he was killed by an IED that hit the convoy containing he and is twin brother Alessandro. Tony never took Skylar out of his will and now she is part owner of his family home in the Hamptons, along with Sandro. After weeks of not having her phone calls returned, Skylar arrives at the home with every intention of signing over her share and closing that chapter of her life. When she arrives on the twins' birthday, she finds Sandro missing his brother and suffering from a severe case of survivor's guilt. Seeing him again for the first time in almost two years reminds him of their first meeting and the undeniable chemistry they shared. That chemistry is what convinced Skylar that Tony wasn't the right man for her and led her to call off their engagement.

This novel sets itself apart from others by broaching the very timely subject of our veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the post traumatic syndrome that many suffer. It blends these serious issues seamlessly with the the story of two people trying to fight their attraction for each other because of the loss of someone they both loved. The sequel, Sinful Tempation, will be published in February.

Escape to Paradise

2012-01-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

by Pamela Yaye

Claudia Jeffries almost has no other option than to Escape to Paradise. The day her divorce is finalized, her ex-husband is arrested on suspicion of corporate fraud and the authorities suspect that Claudia, not only knew about it, but was a part of it. The media attention is unbearable and, unable to deal with the reporters camped out on her lawn, Claudia escapes through a window of her Richmond, VA home and flees to her sister's luxury timeshare in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Santiago Medina first spots Claudia in the airport lounge in DC as man after man approaches her and is shot down. Although he gets a little farther than the others (a little food and conversation), eventually she rejects him as well. When he arrives at the resort that his family owns in Mexico, he can't believe his luck upon seeing her standing in the lobby.

Secrets permeate this novel through and through. Claudia works hard not to reveal her financial situation and the mess she's left behind in the States (that's slowly catching up to her). Meanwhile, Santiago is less than truthful about his family's wealth, but not about his attraction to her. I always enjoy books that take me to explore other countries and cultures and this one didn't disappoint.

These Arms of Mine

2012-01-24T17:30:00.000-05:00

by Judy Lynn Hubbard

These Arms of Mine is the first Kimani romance by Judy Lynn Hubbard and she's done a great job in her debut. Alesha Robinson's brother is in danger of going to jail for embezzling campaign funds from his employer, Derrick Ashton, and she has decided to beg for leniency and ask that charges not be filed against him. It sounds simple, but Derrick is also the person who's heart she broke two years ago when she ended their relationship and he has never forgiven her. Seeing an opportunity to get revenge and to advance his political career, Derrick forces Alesha to marry him to pay off her brother's debt and to present himself to voters as a family man.

Of course there is more backstory behind Alesha dumping Derrick the first time and her brother's reasons for stealing the money in the first place. Watching them make this arrangement work while surrounded by secrets soon to be revealed was well worth the read.

Private Arrangements

2012-01-24T17:00:00.000-05:00

by Brenda Jackson

Private Arrangements is the latest in the Steeles series. They are a very close-knit, large family and this one takes place in the Phoenix branch, also known as the "Bad News Steeles". The six men in this part of the family are referred to that way because they are diehard bachelors, as inherited from their father (who eventually gave that up). But one by one these players are falling...

Jonas Steele has been steadily building his marketing business, Ideas of Steele, and has done well for himself, but he now has the chance to work on a campaign that will catapult his company into the big leagues. In order to ensure success, Jonas decides to hire the best photographer that he knows, Nikki Cartwright. The only problem is that the last time they worked together, a year and a half ago, they shared a celebratory kiss that left both of them confused. Jonas couldn't stop thinking about it, which is out of character for the notorious womanizer. Nikki can't believe that a man used to dating women who could double as supermodels would even be remotely interested in her.

I love stories that feature either friends or work colleagues that become lovers. The work/love twist in Private Arrangements is very interesting to watch unfold, especially with both parties fighting their attraction tooth and nail. A great surprise was the inclusion of Quinton Hinton, a character featured in Adrianne Byrd's House of Kings series. It is rare for authors to support each other that way and it was good to see.

Gay Men Don't Get Fat

2012-01-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

by Simon Doonan

Simon Doonan is the most fabulous person I know. No, I don't know him personally but he is one of my bestest friends in my head. And do you know what best friends do? They give you advice. Advice on how to live as fabulously and stylishly as they do. As the long time creative director at Barney's (his window displays are legendary), Doonan is highly qualified to give us a tour through gay life and show us what we are doing wrong.

Yes, there is a book called French Women Don't Get Fat that eschewed the unhealthy American diet and was very popular, but people felt that the author looked down on us. Doonan doesn't do that, but he does hilariously chronicle his realization that gay men and French women are basically the same species: they love fashion, home decor, and limiting their calories. What follows is a sort of field guide to gay men and which of their habits we could adopt to live healthier and happier lives. He tells us the difference between straight and gay foods (lesbian food has its own category), what style persona that heterosexual men can adopt to always look put together, and even takes us on a "Bear" hunt.

One of the funniest books I've read in awhile!

Our Man in the Dark

2011-12-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

by Rashad Harrison

By this time we are all familiar with the FBI's activities in trying to discredit the reputation and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and all of the information they acquired during their lengthy investigation. Someone had to be on the inside, right, to feed them the info that they wanted. In this debut novel, John Estem, is that person. Estem, who could have easily been the protagonist in Ellison's Invisible Man, embezzles money from the SCLC, where he is employed as a bookkeeper. He has lofty dreams of starting his own branch of the movement in Chicago, an area he believes is overlooked. Estem instead blows the money. The FBI is already monitoring the activity of Dr. King and the SCLC and they use the knowledge of Estem's indiscretion to recruit him to their ranks.

Our Man in the Dark is at it's essence a noir mystery that follows John Estem's journey as he is torn between his allegiance to his people and the movement, his duty to his country, and his desire to be seen as someone important. Two things I had a problem with:

The dialogue attributed to Dr. King during personal moments sounded a little too "speechy" and formal.
There's a scene where the rumors about J. Edgar Hoover's alleged homosexuality are discussed. That's something that we know about now, but I doubt that FBI field agents in the 60's would have heard about it. Especially since Hoover was still alive and would have squashed any talk of that.

Other than that, I enjoyed reading about how the motives of one seemingly insignificant person can affect an entire movement.

King's Pleasure

2011-12-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

by Adrianne Byrd

The three King brothers have always held fast to their player cards. Easy to do since they own a series of clubs around the country specializing in bachelor parties. But, with his brothers Eamon (King's Passion) and Xavier (King's Promise) setting fire to their cards and settling down, Jeremy gladly accepts that there are now just more women for him. He can't believe his luck when he encounters a woman at one of his parties and the incredible, unforgettable night they share. In fact she's still on his mind when she shows up a few weeks later to plan her bachelorette party.

This is the last in the House of Kings series and I'm going to miss these guys and their paranoid cousin, Quentin Hinton, who takes it especially hard when each one succumbs to their fate. I know his story is coming in the future and I can't wait.

My Top 20 Books of 2011

2011-12-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

As of this writing, according to Goodreads, I have read 266 books this year. That's a lot. A good number of them are romance novels that only take a few hours to consume and since losing my full-time job in May, I have lots of extra hours in the day. None of those appear on my "best of" list, however, so those of you who don't read that genre don't have to worry.

This list is in no particular order and consists of the books that I gave 4 and 5 stars this year on Goodreads. I have included links to the full reviews on my blog. Here goes:

Zone One by Colson Whitehead

My Soul to Take by Tananarive Due

Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones

Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing by Kathy Cano-Murillo

Hurricane by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Pym by Mat Johnson

Surrender the Dark by L.A. Banks

Domestic Violets by Matthew Norman

A very clever novel about an man who aspires to leave the corporate world and be a great American novelist. Unfortunately, his father has already achieved great notoriety as just that. Lots of funny anecdotes about the workplace.

The New Kids: Big Dreams and Brave Journeys at a High School for Immigrant Teens by Brooke Hauser

Exactly what the subtitle says. Interesting stories about teens who have emigrated from all over the world and the lengths they have to go through to get an education in this country.

Class Warfare: Inside the Fight to Fix America's Schools by Steven Brill

Outlines the real problems in our schools today and gives a great history lesson on how they got that way. Especially eye-opening was the information about teacher's unions and the power they wield.

The Gift by Elle

The GQ Candidate by Kelli Goff

The Shopping Diet by Phillip Bloch

Voice of America by E.C. Osondu

The Taste of Salt by Martha Southgate

Peace From Broken Pieces by Iyanla Vanzant

If Sons, Then Heirs by Lorene Cary

Veganist: Lose Weight, Get Healthy, Change the World by Kathy Freston

An easy way to ease into the vegan lifestyle.

Heat Wave: The Life and Career of Ethel Waters by Donald Bogle

Poser: My Life in Twenty-Three Yoga Poses by Claire Dederer

So, there you have it. Sorry it was so long, but I just couldn't limit it to just 10.

Zone One

2011-10-18T17:00:00.057-04:00

by Colson Whitehead

Let me preface this review by saying that Colson Whitehead can do no wrong in my mind. At least when it comes to writing books, I don't know about his personal life. One thing that I love about his writing is that he has a way of making you believe that every word is true by placing outlandish scenarios in an everyday context. Whether it is elevator repair in The Intuitionist, advertising in Apex Hides the Hurt, or freelance writing in John Henry Days, I hung on every word as gospel.

In Zone One, Whitehead tackles the aftermath of an event that has turned the majority of the population into zombies. Unlike other books or movies that focus on the cause and gore and escape from these creatures, he instead chooses to chronicle the machinations involved in bouncing back from such a thing. Mark Spitz (not his real name) is a civilian volunteer for a sweeper unit tasked with cleaning out the zombie stragglers in Manhattan after the military has dealt with the bulk of the infected. We follow Spitz and his team over the course of three days as they go through the motions of their unusual task.

What I loved most about Zone One is the attention to detail given to things that I doubt other "zombie apocalypse" books miss. Like, what would you miss from your old life? What songs would you like to hear again? What food do you miss eating? Whitehead's attention to these kind of details are why I am a huge fan.

Sidenote: In July while reading the book, I tweeted that Colson Whitehead is the only author for whom I will read a book about zombies. And he replied:

@colsonwhiteheadcolson whitehead

@mshoni I wrote it for you!

*literary swoon*

Romancing the M.D.

2011-09-20T17:00:00.003-04:00

by Maureen Smith

Tamara St. John is a busy intern at Hopewell General, working long hours, making a name for herself and loving every minute of it. But her colleague, Victor Aguilar, seems intent on not making anything easy for her. The two constantly bicker and argue over patient care and just about anything else and everyone around them notices.

But it seems that underneath all that animosity is a desire for each other that neither is ready for...especially since hospital rules forbid it. Another impediment is that they are from different countries and cultures and that may prove to be a problem.

This entry in the Hopewell General summer series, like the earlier two, is another example of two people who are forced to decide if their love is strong enough to risk losing everything they've worked so hard for. I will be sad to see this series end.

You Can Create An Exceptional Life

2011-09-20T12:09:00.001-04:00

by Louise Hay & Cheryl Richardson

Hi, my name is Toni, and I'm a self-help book addict. Well, I used to be. I read every book in that section of the bookstore at one point. A few years ago, I stopped because it was getting a little repetitive and I felt that I had the core principles down by this time. But I still peek in every now and then and couldn't resist this one.

Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson are two bestselling authors in the genre. Hay wrote the classic and hugely popular You Can Heal Your Life, a book of affirmations tailored to every aspect of your well-being, that I refer to constantly and she started a successful publishing company. Richardson's books, including Life Makeovers, provide step-by-step blueprints on creating the life that you desire.

You Can Create an Exceptional Life is written as a conversation between the two women, with Richardson mainly interviewing Hay about her beginnings as an author and healer. Interesting concept, but I felt that this technique would have worked better at a seminar or in a documentary. Having read several books by both authors, I already knew a lot of the personal things that they discussed and found it distracting. I didn't really perk up until Chapter 3: How You Start Your Day Is How You Live Your Day and Chapter 4: How You Live Your Day Is How You Live Your Life. Both of those chapters included really useful affirmations specific to situations that you come across in everyday life: choosing something from your closet, mealtime, etc. The book really picked up for me in those parts.

I found the section at the back of the book that collected the affirmations featured in earlier chapters useful and will refer to it often. In fact, I wish they were published as a separate book.

The Taste of Salt

2011-09-14T18:03:00.001-04:00

by Martha Southgate

The cure for anything is salt water-
sweat, tears, or the sea.

These words by Isak Dinesen begin The Taste of Salt and I don't think I've ever seen a quote used more appropriately. All three play roles in this family story mostly about how addiction affects the members - users and non-users.

Josie Henderson has always been drawn to the sea. Even when the only body of water she could get to was a river in her hometown of Cleveland. Growing up as the daughter of an alcoholic, Josie left home as soon as she was able and created a life for herself as a marine scientist, one of the few black women in her field. But when her younger brother Tick, an addict himself, is released from yet another rehab, the past that she has worked so hard to put behind her comes rushing back. Josie is forced to face her own addictions and the fragility of the marriage that she is in.

One of the reasons that I love Martha Southgate's works, is that she is a master at relating the subleties of family dynamics and she also writes about issues of race in a compelling and thoughtful way. Her decision to make Josie a scientist made me really happy. You don't see black women (or men, for that matter) portrayed in novels in fields of study like science. Loved it.

I also recommend you read one of my favorites by Southgate, Third Girl From the Left.

One Day It'll All Make Sense

2011-09-13T17:00:00.038-04:00

by Common (with Adam Bradley)

Even though he is not quite 40, Common has written a thoughtful account of his life so far. He covers his growing up in Chicago, the decision to leave college to pursue his rap career, diversifying into acting, and his much publicized love life.

What really makes this book shine is his mother's input (she really should have been listed as co-author) and the letters that Common writes to loved ones at the beginning of each chapter. I loved that throughout the book as he shares his life journey and the decisions he made, his mother writes about her reaction to those different points in his life. Also, the letters he writes frame the subject matter of each chapter to give you more insight into what is about to be told. The book begins and ends with letters to the reader and includes others to his mother, father, Kanye West, Erykah Badu, his deceased cousin Ajile and others. I thought that was a great choice.

I would normally recommend a book like this to young men in high school and college because Common is really candid about his growth as a person, flaws and all. The only thing holding me back is that he is also quite open about his sexual history, so discretion must be used.

The Gift

2011-09-13T12:01:00.032-04:00

by Elle

This is the second book in the 3-part series that the author refers to as "mature erotica". And I have to say that as a woman of a certain age, I am really enjoying them.

Aleesa (who was also in the first book, The I.O.U) is missing her husband, Walter, a dentist on reserve duty in Afghanistan. To deal with the frustration of him being away, she has created a journal of her sexual fantasies and wants to gift it to him when he returns. She also breaks out of her comfort zone by doing a sexy photo shoot to enhance the journal.

But the Walter that returns homes is not the same man that left her months ago. This man is impotent and emotionally unavailable and pushes her away when she tries to comfort him. He discovers Aleesa's journal, and feeling guilty about not being able to give her what she wants, offers her a gift: 48 hours to live out a fantasy she has written about, with someone other than him.

Elle does a great job of broaching the subject of women's sexuality as they get older, while also teaching us about the trauma of war and what our veteran's bring home home with them. It was a complex journey that Aleesa and Walter embarked on, but it was never boring and still really hot!

My Soul To Take

2011-09-06T12:00:00.041-04:00

by Tananarive Due

Fana Wolde has come to a crossroads. As an immortal who possesses healing blood and telepathic powers, she must decide whether she wants to continue helping the world or fulfilling a promise to her prophesied soulmate and fiance, Michel. Healing is not a priority for Michel, who would rather use his gifts to rid the world of those he doesn't feel worthy. Complicating matters further is mortal Johnny Wright, Fana's friend and comrade in healing, who is hopelessly in love with her and vehemently opposed to her union with Michel.

If you know me then it goes without saying that I loved this book, as I am a huge fan of Tananarive Due and everything she writes. This is the latest entry in the Living Blood series that tells of the immortal Life Brothers whose story begins in the book My Soul to Keep. Every book in this series is a page turner, but My Soul to Take is also enjoyable as a stand-alone if you haven't read the others. Enriching the story more is the appearance of Phoenix, a character from another one of Due's awesome books, Joplin's Ghost.

The Surgeon's Secret Baby

2011-08-24T17:00:00.005-04:00

by Ann Christopher

Fictional Hopewell General Hospital has been a hotbed of romance this summer. First, In The Doctor's Bed by Brenda Jackson, Head Resident Lucien De Winter puts his career in jeopardy when he falls for intern Jasmine Campbell.

In this second installment, Lia Taylor is a computer whiz who is caught hacking into the records of the hospital's sperm bank to find information to save her ailing son. Because there is already an unrelated scandal brewing (see In The Doctor's Bed), instead of prosecuting her, she is offered the job of securing the hospital's computer networks against other hackers. She agrees to the compromise because it also offers the opportunity to get close to Head Surgeon Thomas Bradshaw, who may be the donor that she seeks.

While this is an intriguing romantic story, it also gives quite a bit of backstory into hospital operations and the plight of chronically ill children and the lengths that parents will go to get the help they need.

Getting Lucky

2011-08-23T12:00:00.061-04:00

by Kayla Perrin

Getting Lucky is three love stories in one. I'm not sure that luck had anything to do with it, because they seemed to put a lot of work into it.

Annelise is happily in love and pregnant with her boyfriend Dom, who rescued her when she was reeling from the betrayal of her husband. All she wants is for her best friends Claudia and Lishelle to have the same love and happiness that she has. And she will manipulate the Universe in any way she can to make that happen. She has her work cut out for her. Both Lishelle and Claudia have ended relationships recently and are dealing with the fallout from them each in her own way. Lishelle gets over her break-up with a famous hip-hop star by jumping into bed with anyone who will make her forget. Claudia's ex-fiancé forced her to do humiliating things and she reacts with a vow of celibacy. Even Annelise's idyllic relationship is not without its own hiccups.

There were issues of character development and maybe it's me, but I kept wanting to tell Lishelle to get over herself and go get her man! LOL! Also, the major matchmaking scheme seemed a little far-fetched to me and came together too quickly than it would in real life.

Illustrated Guide to Sewing Couture Techniques

2011-07-24T17:00:00.001-04:00

Edited by Peg Couch

Some books on sewing couture are as intimidating as the techniques themselves. That's why I love this book series. They do a great job of making sewing your own clothes less intimidating.

Assuming that the reader has some previous experience and is ready to take on more complex projects, not a lot of time is spent on the basics. Because fabric choice is important in couture, the beginning of the book gives a background on the care and handling of fine and specialty textiles.

The middle section covers fit and gives extensive instructions on taking measurements and manipulating the pattern to achieve perfection.

The last part of the book is dedicated to the actual techniques that make a garment couture, including the all important art of handstitching. Although I don't require it, I was especially happy to see instructions for left-handed seamstresses.

I will definitely add this to my growing sewing library because I rarely see such easy-to-understand directions for couture techniques. This book makes me feel that I can confidently tackle them.

The GQ Candidate

2011-07-05T17:00:00.001-04:00

by Kelli Goff

The GQ Candidate is a novel about the presidential campaign of an African-American politician with a mixed cultural background from the Midwest. You will expect to read this book and constantly be reminded of another African-American presidential politician, but trust me, you seldom will.

Luke Cooper, who was adopted and raised by a Jewish family is the current Governor of Michigan and his recent favorable national press convinces those around him that he's ready to make a run for the White House. While the book is about the adjustments that Cooper and his family must make under the constant scrutiny that is a Presidential campaign, the real story to me was how it affects long-term friendships and the motives of extended family.

It was fun to read about the backroom machinations of a campaign, and all of the personal and profession decisions made, without having to read a boring history book.

The Shopping Diet

2011-06-22T17:00:00.023-04:00

by Phillip Bloch

Because of my chronic underemployment, I've never had a shopping problem. I am definitely not a shopaholic and upon initially reading this I thought this book wasn't for me. But I think that this book can be helpful for anyone.

Phillip Bloch is a fashion stylist to the stars and regular people who can afford him. As a professional shopper he is more than qualified to offer advice on curbing your overspending and cultivating a closet that works best for you. Written like a diet book including sections called "Digest This" and "Battle of the Bulge", Bloch even has a clothing pyramid based on the FDA's old food pyramid.

Unlike other books on shopping and fashion, Bloch doesn't bog you down with a lot of glossy photos of clothing that may be out of style in a season or two. Instead he packs real world advice on being stylish without landing in debtor's prison.

Sweet Destiny

2011-06-21T17:00:00.001-04:00

by Rochelle Alers

This is the sixth book in the Eaton family series and the second in a special wedding series published this summer. Usually these stories revolve around the Philadelphia branch of the Eaton clan, a family of educators. Sweet Destiny, however, is set in a small town in West Virginia, giving the reader and the heroine a glimpse of a simpler life.

Mia Chandler, an Eaton cousin, grew up privileged in Dallas, Texas and has just received her medical degree, just like her father. But, unlike him, and much to his dismay, she decides to specialize in family medicine and not the more lucrative obstetrics and gynecology as he did. And to make matters worse, she wants to practice in a rural setting after hearing about how difficult it is for residents of those areas to have access to good healthcare. She chooses to do her residency in Jonesburg, West Virginia where the local family practitioner is looking to step down. Mia's transition from life in the big city is made easier because her cousin has married into a family from the area and they make sure to look out for her. One of those family members, Kenyon Chandler, is the Sheriff in the town and is instantly convinced that Mia is a snobby city girl who won't be able to adapt to this slower way of life.

I love the books in this series (which is getting so extensive that there is a family tree provided in the book), and this one especially because of the focus on healthcare. Residents of areas like are usually the unhealthiest in the nation and not enough doctors choose to work there because it is hard work with lower payoffs than in bigger cities. I like to mix my romance with social commentary!

Denzel's Lips

2011-06-20T17:00:00.000-04:00

by Anita Diggs

Hercsville, Long Island (founded by the legendary creator of hip-hop DJ Kool Herc) is a small town with a lot of drama right now:

Asha Mitchell Seabrook. has married the man of her dreams, Nick, whose family owns a chain of successful restaurants. They have money, but not enough for the bored housewife.

Dr. Penelope Brewster is psychologist to the town's troubled youth as she struggles to keep her own teenage daughter under control.

Shareeka Ellison is married to former rapper Dayshawn "Bustacap" Ellison. Dayshawn has made the transition to a very lucrative movie career, but Shareeka longs for the simple life of South Central LA.

Soap opera actress, Nancy St. Bart is finally in a happy place, thanks to the protection of her idol (obsession), Denzel Washington, but danger threatens to make her finally confront her demons.

Although the ending left me a little disappointed, this was a quick "Desperate Housewives"-type read.

Pym

2011-06-19T17:00:00.001-04:00

by Mat Johnson

It's almost impossible to describe this book without either sounding like an idiot, giving the book away, or making you not want to read it. And this book is so wonderful, that I hope you will read it. Well, here goes.

Professor Chris Jaynes is a professor of African American Literature whose specialty has been to uncover the issue of race in the literature of the majority rather than the one being oppressed, with a special passion for Edgar Allen Poe. This focus didn't go over well with his employers, who expected him to take the traditional route of using the Black literary canon and denied him tenure and subsequently a job. He does not handle it well.

Things begin to look up when his favorite book dealer shows up with a rare manuscript that seems to be a slave narrative that corroborates the tale in Poe's only (and very strange) novel, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket. Seeing a way to redeem his professional dignity, Jaynes sets out to verify the rumors surrounding the publication of Poe's book, and leads an all-Black team to the South Pole for research and a money-making venture. What happens next can be likened to an episode of Lost.

Sold yet? I know it sounds crazy and the book is crazy. But it is imaginative, magical, and extremely funny. And it is definitely going in my top five books of the year.

The Man Whisperer

2011-06-14T09:00:00.031-04:00

by Allegra Adams

Lately, Zane, through her publishing company Strebor Books, has been putting out a brand of novels that are still as steamy as her readers are used to, but with better character and plot development (a pet peeve of mine).

Allegra Adams is The Man Whisperer. The author and the protagonist share the same name, but this is billed as a novel so I'm not sure if we will find out later if it is based on truth. Anyway, Allegra was given that name by her friend Luisa because she is always the one in control in her relationships. And by relationships, I mean sexual liaisons, as she isn't a commitment kinda girl. An anthropologist and college professor, her area of expertise is sexual DNA - meaning everything we need to know about someone's sexual proclivities is written in their genetic code. Intriguing, huh? Traveling to conferences where she lectures on her findings, gives Allegra the opportunity to satisfy her needs and leave lots of lovers in her wake.

The beginning of the book was a little confusing as it went back and forth between events that took place in Brazil and New York City, where Allegra calls home. When all that settles down it gets especially interesting when Allegra counsels Luisa on being more assertive about her needs in her own relationship and career. That leads to an involvement with a Neo Black Power organization that threatens to ruin both of their lives.

Favorite quote:

Allegra had always vowed to live by two rules: One--never go shopping without a grocery list and two--never travel horny. To do either can leave a woman vulnerable to food she doesn't need and d**k she really doesn't want.

Nina Garcia's Look Book

2011-06-13T18:00:00.001-04:00

What to Wear for Every Occasion
by Nina Garcia

The bookstore where I worked for the past 11 years recently closed. So I am embarking on a new job search. The other day while fretting over having to update my resume, it occurred to me that not only do I not have an outfit to interview in, my current wardrobe is only appropriate for a Starbucks employee. Because of the dress code at my former job, my closet is full of black polo style shirts and khakis. Right now the only social invitation I can accept from you is one where I'll be making lattes at your dinner party. (And I can, because I am Starbucks/Seattle's Best trained).

It's hard to know where to start when your wardrobe has so many holes in it, so I'm turning to my library of fashion books to help me out. I chose this one for no other reason than it was the first that I laid my eyes on. While it really does cover what's appropriate for certain occasions (job interview, a Netflix night, volunteering, etc.), it also gives some pointers on the appropriate etiquette in those situations.

It wasn't very helpful in setting up a core wardrobe, but once I have that in place, I will refer back to this on how to put it together. And as always, the illustrations by Ruben Toledo are divine!

The Proposal: A Westmoreland Family Novel

2011-06-07T17:00:00.001-04:00

by Brenda Jackson

I just inhale these Westmoreland novels! LOL! And now that there is a Denver branch of the family, there are more stories to be told.

Brenda Bostwick is a pampered Southern belle raised in Savannah. The only family she has ever known are her parents, so she is surprised to learn that not only did her grandfather just pass away, but that he has left her his ranch outside Denver. Needing to spread her wings, much to her parent's dismay, she decides to accept the challenge of running a horse ranch.

When she arrives and meets Jason Westmoreland, she is sure that his interest in her is purely business and that he wants her land and her prize horses, so she prepares herself for that possibility. What she isn't prepared for is her feelings for him and the other danger that is out there.

No One In The World

2011-06-07T09:00:00.011-04:00

by E. Lynn Harris & RM Johnson

Cobi Winslow is a district attorney and one of the heirs to the successful Winslow Products hair care empire. His decision not to go into the family business coupled with his sexuality has always been a sore spot in the relationship with his father. Right before his parents are killed in a car crash, Cobi, who is adopted, learns that he has a twin brother he never knew about. He now is compelled to search for him. To make matters worse, his father's will states that Cobi will receive shares in the the family company only if he marries a woman and stays married for two years. His sister, Sissy, who is now CEO of Winslow, desperately needs those shares to help stave off a takeover of their family legacy. Added to this mix is Cobi's love affair with a closeted state senator, and this book is full of drama! Is your head spinning yet?

There is enough drama here for at least 2 or 3 books and sometimes it felt a little overwhelming. I've never read any books by RM Johnson, but fans of E. Lynn Harris will recognize the character development that he was known for. Cobi suffers greatly from being a disappointment to his father and a secret in his lover's life, but he also is comfortable with himself and who he is.

Voice of America

2011-05-26T09:00:00.002-04:00

by E. C. Osondu

I am fully on board the short story train now. There have been so many stellar collections in the past few years. This one actually came out last November and I finally dug it out of the "to be read" pile. I'll actually post pictures of that pile one day.

Osondu's stories are set in Nigeria and the U.S. and focus mainly on the hopes and dreams of the Nigerian people. Young boys living in a refugee camp dreaming of being adopted and living abroad. A young man sent to study in America by the hard work of his family, only to return disgraced. A woman so desparate to have a child that she returns to Nigeria and allows her mother-in-law to take her to a healer. My favorite is "A Letter From Home", where a mother gently prods her son to send money home and remember his roots and not marry a White woman.

In an age where all we hear about Nigeria is corruption and scams, this is beautiful insight into its people, their culture, and their motivations.

Peace from Broken Pieces

2011-05-25T10:00:00.001-04:00

How to Get Through What You're Going Through
by Iyanla Vanzant

I bought this book last fall when it was first published because I am a fan of Iyanla Vanzant and have read all of her books. I even read the autobiography that she wrote and then decided that she didn't want published, but her publisher at the time put it out anyway and she sued and won and now the book just seems like an urban myth because you can't find it anywhere. Whew!

Anyway, I've had the book all this time and tried to pick it up here and there but I never stuck with it. It wasn't until she appeared on the infamous two part episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show that I went back to it and dived in full force. While the adage, "those who can't do, teach" is an often overused cliché, when you read this book you will realize the truth in it. Dealing with the illness and subsequent death of her middle child and the erosion of her career, Vanzant begins a journey where she searches through the events of her life that brought her to this point. It is the most honest we've ever seen her and therefore the most courageous. This book will be eye-opening for people who think that successful celebrities have it all together, especially those who make their living as spiritual life coaches.

I will say that I have had the fortune to have met her and her daughter Gemmia a few times, and while she was always professional and charming, I felt an aloofness there that I didn't expect from someone in her position. That also happened to me when I met Deepak Chopra. Maybe it's me...

Silver Sparrow

2011-05-24T09:14:00.000-04:00

by Tayari Jones

Let me just begin by saying, this is already in my top 5 books of the year and it is just May. It is that good. And I'm not biased because I currently live in Atlanta, where the book is set in the 1980's, and am familiar with the world of the characters. (West End Mall hasn't changed in 20 years!)

Told in the voices of the youngest ones affected, Silver Sparrow is the story of the families of James Witherspoon - one public, one secret. Like most of these situations, the secret family is well aware of the public one (but not vice versa) and the daughter of this union, Dana, struggles to understand her place in her father's life. Born just four months before her "sister", Chaurisse, Dana seeks to know everything about her and the two form a friendship that threatens to destroy the separate lives that James has created.

Jones does a magnificent job of showing the depth of all those involved, to the point that I was unable to label anyone a villain in this scenario. In lesser skilled hands, James, the patriarch of these two families would have easily been the one to hate. But because Jones made the brilliant choice to give him a stutter that showed up when he was stressed or uncomfortable, I always felt sorry for him in a way (Doret & I disagree on this, LOL!).

If I used a rating system on this blog, it would definitely rate a 5 out of 5.

Midnight and the Meaning of Love

2011-04-23T17:00:00.001-04:00

by Sister Souljah

I struggled with this book. Not in the way that it is written, that's fine. But in my reactions to the title character. In Midnight, I instantly fell in love with him. His strength, intelligence and strong loyalty to family were refreshing. There are not many Black male characters, especially one so young, represented in literature today that have such a sense of right and wrong. If you've read my post about that book, you know what problems I had with it.

Those problems seemed to have followed me to this sequel. Midnight has finally started to build a life with his new bride, Akemi, when her disappearance pulls everything out from under him. Now he has to deal with his need to protect all of the women in his life, his mother and sister, in the States with him and his wife, who is now thousands of miles away in Japan. After making sure that his mother and sister are safe, he heads off to Japan to rescue his wife.

This is a well written, engaging book that fans of the series will definitely enjoy. However, I am still annoyed by the portrayal of African-American women and the ease with which Midnight, a teenager, is able to maneuver, MacGyver-like through foreign countries. A lot of the scenarios were just not plausible to me.

Illustrated Guide to Sewing: Garment Construction

2011-04-22T17:00:00.001-04:00

A Complete Course on Making Clothing for Fit and Fashion

I own a lot of books about sewing and fashion, but rarely do I just sit down and read them. Mostly I use them when I need to know something specific. For this one, however, I actually sat down and looked through it from cover to cover and noted some of the things that differentiate this from other books.

This book is for a beginner and they do a very thorough job of taking you through the construction of a garment. Some of the things that stood out to me:

Explanations of the different type of machine stitches. That's usually only in the manuals that come with the machine
The illustrations of hand sewing were very detailed and helpful
Assurances that space shouldn't be an issue when setting up your sewing area
Guide to the use of color and pattern to enhance different body types. That's usually in books about fashion, not sewing
Detail about how to straighten fabric and concise and clear instructions on preparing fabric to sew
Rudimentary instructions for altering patterns made the process seem not so intimidating
Directions on pinning patterns to fabric and matching plaids and checks. Good for those of us who are slaves to the pattern instructions
Shows how to assemble five basic garments based on logic not pattern instructions
Includes men's clothing
After showing basics, goes into more details with seams, zippers, pockets, etc.

Good for a beginner and also a great addition to any sewing library.

First Lines Friday

2011-04-22T11:03:00.000-04:00

First Lines Friday is a book meme hosted by Literary Marie at Precision Reviews.

Grab your current read.
Share the first line(s).
Include the title and author so that other FLF participants can add the book to their TBR list.

"It is often difficult to identify the exact moment that your life falls apart."

Peace from Broken Pieces: How to Get Through What You're Going Through by Iyanla Vanzant

Hurricane

2011-04-21T17:00:00.005-04:00

by Jewell Parker Rhodes

I was so sad to hear that this is the last of the Marie Laveau mysteries as I have thoroughly enjoyed her evolution. In the first book of the series, Voodoo Season, Dr. Marie Laveau returns to New Orleans, the land of her ancestors and learns all of their secrets. And yes, one of the secrets is that she is a descendant of the great Voodoo queen of the same name.

In this installment of the series, Marie is raising her daughter and practicing medicine in New Orleans when a nightmare compells her to take a drive. She stumbles upon a murder scene in a small town and is soon drawn into the drama of the community as they recognize her as a voodoo queen and demand her healing powers. During her investigation she uncovers an environmental disaster and all the while a hurricane known as Katrina looms in the distance.

Especially interesting was learning about the devastation done to the Gulf way before Hurricane Katrina hit and exploring the supernatural reasons and ramifications.

If Sons, Then Heirs

2011-04-20T17:00:00.002-04:00

by Lorene Cary

If Sons, Then Heirs is a complex novel about family, legacy and land. For generations the Needham family has owned and worked the land in South Carolina, but after the patriarch, King is murdered and World War II, most of the members made their way North leaving only Selma, King's widow, behind. Alonzo Rayne, the 30 year old great-grandson of King, is one of the few who has stayed in touch and made annual pilgrimages back. On his latest trip it becomes clear that Selma is too old to maintain the property any longer and Rayne wants to sell the land and use the proceeds to provide housing and care for her. Selma has other ideas and doesn't want the land to leave the family. But complex "heir property" laws make it impossible to do anything without the consent and participation of the entire family and Rayne isn't sure if this is something he wants to tackle. All of this coincides with the re-appearance of Rayne's mother, who abandoned him in South Carolina when he was 7.

This is a compelling family saga that mirrors many stories of African-Americans in the South who have struggled to survive and hold on to land that others have tried (and in a lot of cases succeeded) to take away from then legally, illegally, and sometimes violently. It also illustrates the the great migration North of people who no longer felt safe or that they had a viable future there. My only issue was that the explanation of the entangled heir property laws left me confused a lot of times. But the rich, deep characters portrayed by Cary kept me completely engaged. Another one on my best of the year list.

An Object of Beauty

2011-04-20T17:00:00.001-04:00

by Steve Martin

I love reading fiction that I can also learn something from. An Object of Beauty really fits that bill as it is heavily steeped in the art world. Lacie Yeager is a Southern belle determined to make her way in the competitive and exciting art scene in Manhattan. She lands a coveted spot at Sotheby's and sets out to learn as much as she can, as quickly as she can, so she can live out her dreams.

The problem is we never know exactly what her dreams are and it seems that Lacey doesn't either. Opportunities seem to fall at her feet and she just acts upon them. That might have been Martin's intent, but Lacey is written as such a one-dimensional character that I hardly took the time to care. I had no connection to her or any other character in this book. Of course when a comedian writes a book it turns out to be funny but quippy one-liners about the art world weren't enough to keep me engaged.

On the positive side, I did learn some interesting facts about art.

The I.O.U.

2011-04-12T17:00:00.002-04:00

by Elle

Elle is the pseudonym being used by a bestselling author to write a new series of erotica featuring women in their forties and fifties.

In the first book in this series Lena Macy is in line to take over the reigns as head of Paskin Broadcasting Corporation, if she is able to beat out her chief competitor, T.J. Reynolds. While away on a business trip to the Super Bowl (she currently oversees the corporation's sports network), she meets a man at the hotel bar and they make a bet on the game that later leads them to his hotel room. Turns out he is Jason Armstrong, owner of a sports management firm. The two begin a hot and private affair until a leaked sex tape threatens to derail their public lives and careers.

In her acknowledgements, the author, Elle, writes that as a reader she often is unable to find erotica that suits her needs since:

"I am not a hot-to-trot sorority girl or insatiable freak - just a grown woman with a wisdom about sex, an active imagination and a romantic, sexy side."

So she wrote the book she wanted to read. And she did a great job of crafting a sizzling story that represents women often overlooked.

Heat Wave

2011-04-06T17:00:00.002-04:00

The Life and Career of Ethel Waters
by Donald Bogle

I have not done a good job of reading books about history and historical figures. I started several last year and never finished but they are still on the table and I promise them everyday that I will return. That's why, even though it took me a couple of months to finish Heat Wave, I refused to put it down. And frankly Donald Bogle's engaging writing wouldn't let me.

Bogle is an expert on Blacks in entertainment and his love for all those involved and the industry clearly shows in his prose and research. Ethel Waters couldn't have been an easy subject for him. Yes, she was one of the biggest blues and pop stars of the early twentieth century, but her private life was complicated and shrouded in mystery and half-truths. Waters went from poverty in Chester, Pennsylvania to performing as "Sweet Mama Stringbean" in nightclubs across the country. Her relationships with the men in her life were covered by all of the Colored newspapers and her "friendships" with women were gossiped about by her peers in the industry. And Waters' notorious temper and jealousy affected most of those she worked with, like Josephine Baker and Lena Horne.

This book is long, almost 600 pages, and kept me engaged because of Waters' ability to reinvent herself as the times changed. From nightclubs to Broadway to Hollywood, she worked to stay relevant as tastes changed.

Sidenote: Two coincidences happened to me while reading this book.

Right after I read about Waters working with the great songwriter Harold Arlen early in both of their careers, I walked into work and heard Frank Sinatra singing a song written by Arlen.
At the exact moment that I'm reading a passage about her stand-out gospel song, His Eye is On The Sparrow, a house music version comes on my iPod.

A Wife for a Westmoreland

2011-04-05T17:00:00.002-04:00

by Brenda Jackson

I have been reading a ton of romance books lately. So many that I won't be blogging about all of them because it would take up too much of my time. If you are interested in seeing what I have been reading you can head over to my Goodreads page and check it out.

This latest Westmoreland book is the nineteenth in the series and the fourth about the Denver branch of the family. Lucia Conyers has been in love with Derringer Westmoreland since high school when she was friends with his sister. Now, years later, her feelings haven't changed, but with Derringer seeing her as a little sister in addition to his reputation as a ladies' man, Lucia sees no reason to act upon her desires. When she hears that he's been injured in an accident, she finds herself racing to his side and they wind up spending a heated one night together. The only problem is that Derringer was heavily medicated and can remember nothing about the evening. The rest of the book becomes a modern day fairy tale as Derringer tries to figure out who the woman in his bed was and Lucia tries to decide if she can compete with his reputation.

I love the Westmoreland books and can't wait for number twenty.

Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing

2011-03-31T12:00:00.001-04:00

by Kathy Cano-Murillo

The "Crafty Chica" has done it again with a fabulous novel about creativity and perseverance. I thoroughly enjoyed her first book in the series, Waking Up in The Land of Glitter, which not only featured women who took their crafting seriously, but also had a plot that would appeal to people who have no interest in the hobby. Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing achieves the same, masterfully.

Scarlet Santana has a brilliant mind and a degree in engineering that could easily bring in enough money to afford her any creature comfort she desires. But Scarlet instead, much to her family's dismay, has decided to follow her heart and become a fashion designer. Until her big break comes, she toils away as a design assistant and blogs about her favorite designer and inspiration. When she gets a chance to study at a prestigous (and expensive) design program, she opens a sewing school to help raise the money to attend.

This is a novel about sewing and secrets. The secrets (acknowledged and dormant) that bring her students to her class. Secret love. Secret ambition. At first it seems that this book has a lot of subplots, and it does, but Cano-Murillo is able to keep the reader from being overwhelmed and tie everything up at the end. Granted as a crafty-inclined person, I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect, but aside from that, this was an inspiring story about being true to yourself.

Surrender the Dark

2011-03-29T17:00:00.001-04:00

by L.A. Banks

This is the first book in a brand new series by L. A. Banks. I am woefully late to the wonderful urban, supernatural books by this author. But I'm all in now!

This new series will focus on fallen angels and there quest to help humans save themselves and Earth. Celeste Jackson has had a hard life made more complicated by the hallucinations and bad dreams that have plagued her. The drugs and alcohol that she uses as self-medication seem to stop the visions that others have diagnosed as schizophrenia. But forces greater than her know that while others think she is crazy, the things she sees are real and she is more powerful than she realizes. The angel Azrael is sent to help her unlock those powers and use them to defeat the darkness that threatens to overcome the planet permanently.

What I love soooooo much about these series by Banks, are that these events don't take place in some far off land or some suburb that happens to be located on top of a "hellmouth" (no shade to Buffy fans), but in areas and neighborhoods that I would be familiar in, surrounded by people I know speaking the way I do. Urban settings like Philadelphia and Brooklyn feature prominently. Also, there are quite a few humorous scenes as well. Azrael coming to Earth and going to Whole Foods especially stands out.

I know that this is not considered literary fiction and may not win a bunch of awards, but I am certainly putting it on my list of favorites for 2011!

A Good Man is Hard to Find

2011-03-22T17:00:00.004-04:00

by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Inspirational (Christian) fiction author, Billingsley, is now trying her hand at mainstream mystery-filled romance.

Upon arriving at work as an investigative reporter for a well-respected magazine, Ava Cole finds out that her division is closing down and she is being offered a job at a sister publication. Unfortunately, that publication specializes in tabloid gossip. Ava takes the job (a woman's gotta eat and pay the bills right?) and takes off to Aruba on her first assignment: find out the real deal behind the upcoming wedding of pop-diva India Wright. Being the savvy reporter that she is, she quickly finds out the dirt on the singer's fiancé that opens up another can of worms that, while it will make her popular with her new bosses, makes her feel terrible and possibly puts her life in danger.

I've never read any of Billingsley's inspirational fiction, so I can't compare this to her earlier writings, but I enjoyed this book. It was not as steamy as some of the romances that I'm used to reading, but the main plot surrounding Ava's attempt to get a story despite her obvious distaste with the paparazzi style reporting that she had to do was pretty interesting. Overall the character of Ava Cole was well developed and I wouldn't mind seeing an ongoing series featuring her.

Tales from the Yoga Studio

2011-02-24T12:00:00.001-05:00

A Novel

by Rain Mitchell

It's surprising that, with the popularity of yoga in the last few years, there aren't more novels about it. So, I was happy to pick up a copy of Tales from the Yoga Studio.

Set in the trendy neighborhood of Silver Lake in Los Angeles, this book follows the women's fiction formula of focusing on five characters (it's usually three or four), their striking differences, and the one thing that unites them (in this case, yoga).

Lee is the owner of Edendale Yoga and serves as the rock for this small community while hiding her own turmoil. The other four women are Lee's students at the studio and each coming to terms with major decisions in their lives. While I loved the diversity (economic, racial, etc.) of the women, the character development was not very great so I had a hard time connecting to any of them.

My favorite part of the book, though, was the secondary plot that focused on the commercialization and corporate takeover of the yoga industry. The debate (that mirrors one ongoing in the current yoga world) about what is a "pure" yoga experience and should it be practiced in a neighborhood studio or a chain was an interesting one.

*Sidenote: One of the characters, Imani, was African-American and there was a passage attributed to her that rubbed me the wrong way:

"Race: Let's just say that even though black men are, on the whole, a pain in the ass, usually carrying around a chip on their shoulders and pathologically commitmentphobic, she has to admit she's always melted under the gaze of a brother's big brown eyes.

Maybe I'm being a little too sensitive (I can be sometimes), and if this book was written by an African-American author I probably wouldn't have a problem with it, but this made me feel some kind of way.
What do you think?

A Silken Thread

2011-02-14T09:00:00.002-05:00

by Brenda Jackson

Hattersville, Ohio is the setting for this brand new series by prolific romance author, Brenda Jackson. Like most small towns, Hattersville is a pretty insular place, where traditions hold court but are also prime to be broken.

Erica Sanders is on the verge of breaking those traditions. As a descendant of one of the founders of the city, she is expected to act a certain way, work in a respectable profession and stay on her own side of the tracks when it comes to friendship and marriage. Her best friend since childhood, April, while a very successful model, is still from the wrong neighborhood in the eyes of Erica's mother, Karen. If their enduring friendship wasn't enough to outrage Karen Sanders, then Erica's engagement to an outsider, Brian Lawson, really puts her over the edge.

In an effort to sabotage her daughter's upcoming wedding and preserve certain family legacies and mythology, Karen sets off a chain of events that shake up the whole town and its residents. While the story centers on the relationship of Erica and Brian, this story includes subplots of mystery and intrigue involving several other family members and town residents. This was a very full and well thought out plot. I look forward to reading more tales from Hattersville.

The Frugalista Files

2011-01-12T12:00:00.002-05:00

How One Woman Got Out of Debt Without Giving Up The Fabulous Life
by Natalie P. McNeal

This book chronicles the year in the life Natalie P. McNeal as she pays down her debt and tries to live more fiscally responsible. That may not sound like a big deal, but for a young journalist living and working in the social hotspot of Miami, it was difficult for a self-described "promiscuous spender".

Each chapter corresponds to the month of that year, starting with January, showing the amounts of her current credit card, car loan, and student loan debt. I will admit that it was pretty satisfying to see that number start to decrease as the year went on. To help her stay honest in her quest, she started a blog now known as Frugalista.com.

Granted, I personally didn't learn any new tips from this book as I live moderately frugally, but it was interesting just reading about McNeal's experiences. For someone who shopped incessantly (learned behavior from her Mom), took full advantage of Miami's nightlife, never cooked at home, and traveled quite a bit, cutting out those things made quite a journey for her. Not everyone makes these types of changes without being pulled into it kicking and screaming (see vH-1's series You're Cut Off). McNeal's tales of cutting back on salon visits, shopping from her own closet, and getting comfortable in her kitchen aren't anything we haven't heard before, but her positive attitude while jumping full force into this project was refreshing.

Poser

2011-01-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

My Life in Twenty-Three Yoga Poses

by Claire Dederder

Because I long to be a yogini one day, I am fascinated with people's stories about how they came to practice yoga and how (or if) their lives changed.

Claire Dederer, a freelance writer living in Seattle, started taking yoga after she threw her back out breastfeeding (!!!) her young daughter. Although she definitely is a product of the "crunchy" Northwest - kids in a co-op preschool, having the right organic diet - she had no desire to practice in a yoga studio with Tibetan flags and incense burning. She just wanted relief for her back.

I loved that she visited several different studios and teachers piecing together the perfect practice for herself. And each chapter is named after a specific yoga pose which Dederer then relates to some aspect of her life. For example, the chapters on Child's Pose (there's more than one) have her reflecting on her childhood and choices her parents made for her. Mountain Pose is the perfect opportunity to talk about the year that she and her husband and children spend living away from Seattle and their friends & family atop a mountain outside of Boulder, Colorado.

End of the Year Round Up

2010-12-30T13:01:00.000-05:00

During this time of year I am usually on auto-pilot. Working in retail means I only have energy to get myself to work, run around there all day, get myself home, eat something unhealthy for me and crash. I did find time for a lot of reading, though, and I kept it pretty light. These books bring the total books read for 2010 to 102! I still have 5 books that I started this year and haven't finished yet and I read a book this week that won't be published until February and I don't want to review it too early so I will count that for 2011.

95. Sweet Mary
by Liz Balmaseda

I was still in the mood for fiction with Latina characters so I pulled this one off of my bookshelf where it has been sitting for almost a year. Dulce Maria (Mary) Guevara is a real estate agent on the rise in Miami. After divorcing her husband she has landed on her feet and is raising her son and closing big deals. She innocently answers the door to her home one day and finds DEA agents surrounding her. They ransack her home, arrest her, accuse her of being a high level drug trafficker. Even though the charges are eventually dropped, Mary has lost her job and custody of her son. She then takes it upon herself to clear her name and find the real cocaine queen she has been mistaken for. It was a quick moving, action-packed story with some humor and romance. Loved it.

96. Falling Out of Fashion
by Karen Yampolsky

I was still in the mood for fiction with Latina characters so I pulled this one off of my bookshelf where it has been sitting for almost a year. Dulce Maria (Mary) Guevara is a real estate agent on the rise in Miami. After divorcing her husband she has landed on her feet and is raising her son and closing big deals. She innocently answers the door to her home one day and finds DEA agents surrounding her. They ransack her home, arrest her, accuse her of being a high level drug trafficker. Even though the charges are eventually dropped, Mary has lost her job and custody of her son. She then takes it upon herself to clear her name and find the real cocaine queen she has been mistaken for. It was a quick moving, action-packed story with some humor and romance. Loved it.

97. Jared's Counterfeit Fiancee
by Brenda Jackson

Dana Rollins' fiancè has ended their engagement and through a lawyer, requested the ring back. Dana feels that she should be able to keep it, but his lawyer, Jared Westmoreland, convinces her that it will help with closure. Grateful for his help in allowing her to see that point of view, she says that she will do a favor for him one day. Jared collects on that favor when he needs a date to a family function so that his mother will stop pestering him about settling down. That date turns into an elaborate lie that eventually leads Dana and Jared to each other. This book is out of print and I read it as an e-book, but it will be re-published in January 2011 under a new name, Claimed for Destiny.

98. Controversy
by Adrianne Byrd

Michael Adams is known as the troublemaker of all her sisters (they all have male names), so it doesn't come as a surprise when she is looked at as a suspect in her ex-husband's disappearance. Kyson Dekker, the detective assigned to the case is torn between doing his job and his attraction for Michael. There was a lot of humor in this, but since I didn't really care for the Michael character, I didn't care for the book. Almost didn't finish.

99. Love Takes Time
by Adrianne Byrd

Alyssa Jansen's father worked as a live-in personal chef to the wealthy Hinton family so she grew up with the Hinton brothers, Quentin and Sterling. Her childhood crush on Quentin was widely known about by everyone in the family and on staff. Quentin, the consummate flirt, never took the little girl seriously, while Sterling ignored her altogether. When and adult Alyssa, now a successful model, returns to the home for her father's wedding, the brothers begin to see her in a new light.

100. The Husband Habit
by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez

I didn't read this when it was first published because I was mad at the author for something she said on Twitter. Yes, I'm petty like that sometimes. Anyway, time heals all wounds and I walked past it in the store the other day and decided to pick it up. I'm glad I did. Vanessa Duran is a chef at an Albuquerque restaurant owned by a popular food personality. Everyone loves the food, but they have no idea that Vanessa is the real genius behind the menu. On the personal front, she has just ended a streak of unwittingly dating men who turn out to be married. Her sister has to leave the country and asks Vanessa to look in on their parents while she is gone and by the way, stay away from the new neighbor next door. She's afraid that Vanessa's bad dating habits will rear their ugly heads. It turns out that upon initially meeting the neighbor, Paul, that she is not interested. But Paul has other ideas. This book was a total departure from what Valdes-Rodriguez normally writes. She's known as the "Queen of Chica-Lit", novels that showcase Latinas. This time around she explores more romantic, flowery language, especially when talking about the food culture that Vanessa loves so much. That style of writing turned a lot of reviewers off, but I quite liked it and the book very much.

101. Freefall to Desire
by Kayla Perrin

Brianne Kenyon's fiancè disappeared during a hiking trip three years ago and she still harbors anger towards the authorities and his hiking partner and best friend, Alex, for not doing more to find him. Just when she decides that she's had enough and is ready to move on, Alex shows up at her doorstep bringing it all back up again with the news that he thinks her fiancè is still alive. Their search for the truth behind his disappearance brings them closer together and Alex's true feelings about Brianne are revealed.

102. Boardroom Seduction
by Anita Bunkley

Kacey Parker has worked her way up through the ranks at a major department store, but what she really wants is to fulfill her dream of being a swimwear designer. Her boss gives her a chance to produce her line for the store but she will have to travel from NYC to a small town in Texas to oversee the production of the line. She shows up expecting to work with "old man Archer", when instead she meets the new owner of the production facility, his son, Leon Archer, Jr. Getting involved with the town's ladies man is not in her plans when she knows she must return home when her work is finished.

94. Heart of the Falcon

2010-12-11T18:00:00.000-05:00

by Francis Ray

This is a reissue, but it was during the time when I wasn't reading much romance, so I somehow missed it. Then again I may have read it and just forgot!

Madelyn Taggart fell in love with a picture. She saw a picture of Daniel Falcon, one of her brother's friends and set out to meet him but somehow never did.

Until one day, while on vacation, she gets stuck in a rainstorm and seeks cover in a hotel lobby where she runs into Daniel, literally. They wind up spending the day together taking in the sights and going their separate ways back to their homes in separate cities. But circumstances, special and otherwise, draw them together again around something neither can deny.

93. Tempt Me at Midnight

2010-12-10T18:00:00.002-05:00

by Maureen Smith

Lexi Austin is feeling like a third wheel at a New Year's Eve masked ball at her friend's home in France. Everyone else seems to be paired off, so she escapes to the balcony during the festivities. But when the clock strikes midnight, a masked stranger kisses her and its not until she hears his voice that she realizes its her best friend since college, Quentin Reddick.

They both try to play off the kiss as a one time thing, but soon realize after spending time together sightseeing and resuming their regular lives back in the States that there might be something more to the longtime friendship. It just may take a while to realize it.

92. The Three Kings

2010-12-09T18:00:00.002-05:00

A Christmas Dating Story
by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez

I'm still in the mood for fiction by Latina authors and Valdes-Rodriguez is one of my all time favorites and I've read all her adult novels.

This time around she tells the story of Christy de la Cruz, a highly successful interior designer to high end clients in New Mexico. After her marriage ends, she finds herself turning to the internet and dating books like The Rules to piece her love life back together. At the end of her romantic rope, she prays to the Virgin Mary to send her some single, eligible men to date (because The Rules suggest you date more than one guy at a time). Soon after, at a family gathering, her cousin Maggie introduces her to three men who happen to be cousins (to each other, not to Maggie and Christy). The men are named Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar...yes, like the Three Kings in the Nativity Story.

Maggie suggests sort of a dating experiment and Christy must go out on three dates with each of these very different cousins to decide which one is more of a match for her. Unorthodox, of course, but very funny!

91. Waking Up In The Land of Glitter

2010-12-08T18:00:00.000-05:00

by Kathy Cano-Murillo

What a fun, fun, book! I won it last year on Goodreads and just got around to reading it. Partly because I wanted to read something funny and partly because I really need inspiration to get creative and most fiction revolving around crafting is geared toward 70 year old ladies!

I'm so mad at myself for waiting so long, because I loved it. La Pachanga restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona serves great Mexican food and acts as and art space for local artists. Estrella "Star" Esteban, whose family owns the business, acts as its biggest champion and marketer. A little flighty, she sees herself as an artist as well, but leans more toward fine art and hates anything "crafty" that involves glitter. One night Star makes a series of bad decisions and her parents give her an ultimatum to get her life together and commit to something.

Ever the crafty (pun intended) one, Star puts a plan in motion that brings together and unlikely cast of characters to participate in a national craft competition that could prove lucrative for La Pachanga, including her best friend, Ofelia, a wife and mother who escapes her stressful life (and mother-in-law drama) by crafting to the point of obsession and her new acquaintance, Chloe Chavez, a local television personality , known for her craft segments and aims to be the next Martha.

Waking Up In the Land of Glitter reminded me how much I love reading popular fiction by Latina authors. The inclusion of the diversity of Mexican and Hispanic culture make the story so much richer and I learned a lot. That makes a great book to me. The author is an accomplished crafter and you can see her incredible work at CrafyChica.com. She even includes instructions to make some of crafts featured in the back of the book. Her second novel, Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing is due out in March and you can guarantee that I'll be the first in line to buy a copy!

Ron Charles: Hip Book Reviewer

2010-12-08T09:40:00.000-05:00

How is it that I'm just finding out about these book reviews? I am a bad book blogger. Enjoy.

90. Seduction Westmoreland Style

2010-12-07T18:00:00.001-05:00

by Brenda Jackson

I think I should be pretty much done with the Westmoreland series now. There's just so many of them! And once you add in their friends and the families of their spouses, it really can go on forever.

Casey Westmoreland has just become reacquainted with the father she thought was deceased. To help foster the new relationship, she closes her clothing boutique in Texas and moves to Montana to be closer to him and the family she never knew. It will also give her a chance to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a horse trainer and she hopes that family friend, McKinnon Quinn will give her the opportunity to work on his ranch.

Even though her experience and training more than qualifies her for the job, what she doesn't count on is coming up against McKinnon's "no women on the ranch" rule. The rule was enacted in the aftermath of his last disastrous relationship. Casey must then set out to prove to McKinnon that she belongs there.

89. People Who Deserve It

2010-12-01T18:00:00.003-05:00

by Casey Rand and Tim Gordon

Let's face it, people are getting ruder. I don't know why, they just are. Although I don't have empirical data and proof, I have worked in retail for the last 20+ years and I know what I'm talking about. That enough makes me want to punch people in the face. Also, I ride public transportation, which is filled with multiple "face-punching" opportunities per ride.

This is a cute little book (they would probably punch me for saying "cute") that lists several offenders that society wouldn't condemn you for punching. The real life offender that prompted them to start their popular blog, peoplewhodeserveit.com? "Girl Who Talks On Cell Phone in Holocaust Museum". Other punchable people include people who walk too slow on urban sidewalks, leave long voicemails, and the sloppy sandwich maker (thank God they don't employ any at the Subway that I go to.).

They also shout out people who don't deserve it and they time-travel to the past and future to punch people there. Also, each post gives instructions on how to punch that person, if you need that. Sometimes laugh out loud funny. Which is why someone has probably labeled me Girl Who Laughs Too Loudly On The Train.

88. Ian's Ultimate Gamble

2010-11-30T18:00:00.001-05:00

by Brenda Jackson

(read as an e-book)

Brooke Chamberlain is an FBI agent whose job is very important to her. She is sent on an informal assignment to a casino/spa to keep an eye on things because of some chatter about illegitimate dealings. Brooke is looking forward to some R & R, but doesn't want to run into the casino's owner, Ian Westmoreland. Their past relationship was a casualty of her career when she arrested his business partner.

Ian has worked hard trying to forget Brooke and doesn't trust the situation when she turns up at his casino. One thing they both can be assured of though, it that neither one is over the other.

87. The Chase is On

2010-11-29T18:00:00.003-05:00

by Brenda Jackson

(read as e-book, but it looks like a book version will be re-published in 2011.)

This is part of the highly enjoyable and extensive Westmoreland series. Jessica Claiborne left her law career to follow her true passion of cooking. She moves from California to Georgia to open a chocolate shop and to hopefully clear the name of her deceased grandfather. He was accused years earlier by his best friend, a restaurateur, of stealing secret family recipes and selling them to a competitor. Jessica has no idea that her new shop is just steps away from Chase Westmoreland's...the grandson of her grandfather's accuser.

Their attraction for each other is undeniable but Jessica struggles whether to tell Chase who she really is now or should she wait until her investigation into their grandparent's history is complete.

86. Scandal Between The Sheets

2010-11-27T18:25:00.001-05:00

by Brenda Jackson

Now that I've discovered e-books, I have been going back and reading books by some of my favorite romance authors that are now out of print. No, I don't have an e-reader (I sell them but I can't afford one myself!), but I read on my iPod. It's not as bad as it sounds.

This book starts off pretty funny as Jasmine Carmody, a reporter, is going through the garbage of Wesley Brooks, a dot.com millionaire. She's hoping to dig up some information on Abraham Danforth a candidate for senate and Wesley's surrogate father. When Wesley catches her, he assumes that she is a homeless person and offers her money for food! Jasmine turns down the money and runs (literally) and leaves behind a family heirloom. Wesley soon realizes who she is and what she's up to and turns the tables on her and starts to stalk her instead as a way of keeping her away from his adopted family. That backfires when the attraction between them can't be denied.

85. How To Read The Air

2010-11-26T18:48:00.000-05:00

by Dinaw Mengestu

How to Read the Air is the parallel story of two marriages as the participants struggle to connect with each other and find truth in themselves. One couple, Yosef & Mariam, are immigrants from Ethiopia who embark on a road trip from their home in Illinois to Nashville. The trip highlights the fragility of their relationship and their inability (and unwillingness) to make it right. The other couple that the novel depicts are Jonas (Yosef & Mariam's son, still an embryo on the aforementioned trip) and his wife Angela. While they are a modern couple living in New York City, they are faced with the some of the same issues to overcome as Jonas' parents.
As someone who lives a relatively solo existence, the novel's depiction of "aloneness" and loneliness really resonated with me. Each person really kept a lot of themselves silent and secret and were unwilling to open up to their partner about who they truly were and what they were thinking. Then I heard an interview with the author about the theme of "home" in the immigrant experience and that made me think more about the book. None of the characters ever really felt at home with each other or with themselves.

This was the most literary thing I've read in awhile and after reading all those quick romances it was difficult for me to connect to this story at first. But when I did finally, I thoroughly enjoyed it. And I love that even a week after reading it, I'm still thinking about it and contemplating its meaning.

84. Island of Deceit

2010-11-24T18:00:00.001-05:00

by Candice Poarch

When I picked this up I had no idea that it was part of a series and now have to go back and read the first two. Island of Deceit is sort of a hybrid romance/mystery with action and love throughout. Barbara Turner is recently retired and all set to move with her grandmother back to Paradise Island, where their family is from. But when her grandmother dies after being swindled by con artists, Barbara changes tactics and seeks revenge.

She traces the crooks to, coincidentally, Paradise Island and settles in to entrap them and retrieve the money they stole from her grandmother and several other elderly women. What Barbara doesn't count on is the attraction she feels for Harper Porterfield, the island's sheriff and what their relationship could mean for her plan.

The best things about this book are that Barbara is a plus-sized woman of a certain age, qualities that you don't find in a lot of romances, and that the island is full of African-American history. Can't wait to read others in the series.

83. Private Lessons

2010-11-23T18:00:00.001-05:00

by Donna Hill

Naomi Clarke is known for being a little uptight, so her friend convinces her to go on a cruise to let her hair down a bit. Even though her friend has to cancel at the last minute, Naomi throws caution to the wind and has a hot affair with a stranger.

When she returns home and goes back to work as a college professor, who does she see sitting in her classroom? Yes, the man from the cruise, Brice Lawrence. It turns out that neither one was completely honest with the other on vacation, so this is a total surprise.

But once the air is clear, it turns out that they may not be able to be together because of a scandal brewing on campus.

82. In Bed With Her Boss

2010-11-22T18:00:00.001-05:00

by Brenda Jackson

(No picture available because I read it as an e-book)

Don't you just love that title?

After working as an intern in his office for some time, Opal Lockhart has just about given up on expecting her boss to be nice to her. D'Marcus Armstrong has proven to be demanding and cranky, but she still finds herself drawn to him. Her sisters believe that he acts that way because he's attracted to her as well.

All that is put to the test when Opal accompanies D'Marcus on a business trip after her sisters give her a makeover. Will the scenario in the title come true?

81. The Fashion File

2010-11-21T18:00:00.001-05:00

Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men

by Janie Bryant

I am a big fan of the tv show Mad Men and never miss an episode. And while I find the authentic sets and clothing beautiful (and a trip down memory lane), I'm not obsessed with the styling like I see some people are. There are women redecorating their homes, getting total Mad Men makeovers and having Mad Men themed parties. That's not me.

This is a beautiful book written by the stylist behind the show, Janie Bryant. You get behind the scenes looks at her process for dressing each character and the detail involved is very interesting. The forward is written by January Jones and there are contributions from other cast members as well giving insight into how Bryant makes them comfortable as they transition from reality into the lives of their characters.

The fashion advice given in this book are designed to help all women, but it still felt like it was a little biased to the whole vintage, Mad Men style. I did enjoy her tips of dressing while being influenced by each decade. If the 20's flapper designs appeal to you, Bryant shows you how to make that look work in the new millennium.

I'm glad I didn't buy it. It's not the type of fashion book that I would go back and refer to, but it's worth taking a look at, especially if you enjoy the show.

80. The Millionaire's Ultimate Catch

2010-11-20T18:00:00.001-05:00

by Michelle Monkou

WNBA star Naomi Venable is walking to the team bus after a game when she comes to the aid of a young girl being attacked. Although the girl is okay, Naomi sustains some injuries that make it impossible for her to travel and play in any more exhibition games. When real estate developer Zack Keathley hears about how she helped his little sister, he offers her the chance to recuperate at his family's estate.

Naomi is determined to get back to her regular life and isn't interested in being pursued by a millionaire playboy. But the longer she stays there, the more she is able to see her life beyond basketball and maybe there is room for love there as well.

79. Bachelor Unleashed

2010-11-19T18:00:00.011-05:00

by Brenda Jackson

Farrah Langley and Xavier Kane had an affair. It was as simple as that. Neither one was interested in commitment and with their busy schedules as a mediator and a lawyer, respectively, there simply wasn't time for a relationship.

But their dependence on each other scares Farrah a little bit and she decides to call the arrangement off. After having some time off, however, Xavier realizes that he really cares about her and wants them to have a conventional relationship. Convincing Farrah that she wants the same is another matter.

78. Seduced on The Red Carpet

2010-11-19T18:00:00.000-05:00

by Ann Christopher

Supermodel Livia Blake has been working almost non-stop since she was sixteen and needs a break. The perfect opportunity arises when her friend asks her to help scout locations for a wedding. Livia arrives early to a small, family-owned winery in Napa Valley looking forward to some R&R, but immediately gets off on the wrong foot with one of the employees.

That employee turns out to be single father Hunter Chambers, one of the owners of the resort. The two set out to work out their differences and spend time together, but can they make it work when they come from two different worlds?

77. Because of You

2010-11-18T18:00:00.001-05:00

by Rochelle Alers

This is the first book in the new Wainwright Legacy series by one of my favorite romance authors. What's interesting is that the Wainwright family are a wealthy Manhattan family who happen to be White. Not a big deal, except that this author and publishing imprint are read by primarily African-American readers. We'll see where this leads.

Jordan Wainwright is a lawyer who has already caused a scene by leaving the family firm to work with his friend practicing law in Harlem - much to the dismay of his grandfather. He is introduced to Aziza Fleming, a lawyer herself, at a New Year's Eve party thrown by his cousin and agrees to represent her harassment case against her former employer. They are drawn to each other immediately but the secrets that each one holds onto threaten to keep them apart.

76. Lovers Premiere

2010-11-06T18:00:00.001-04:00

by Adrianne Byrd

This is the fourth and last book in the Love In The Limelight series. Each one was written by a different author about romance in the entertainment industry. The great thing about this series is that it wasn't always about an actor or a singer, they covered varied aspects of the industry.

Lovers Premiere is about Limelight Entertainment a family business that is full service talent agency representing today's hottest stars. (The agency was featured in an earlier book, but I cant remember which one. Sorry). Sofia Wellesley has followed in the footsteps of her late father, who started the agency, but has made her job her life leaving no room for anything else. She finds out that her uncle has made plans to merge with another successful firm that was started by her father's best friend, who she loathes. Ram Jordan is the man's son who is looking forward to working closely with Sofia since he's been in love with her since they were children.

The only bad thing about this book is the airbrushed abs of the dude on the cover. They look like Krispy Kreme donuts.

75. Strictly Confidential Attraction/Taking Care of Business

2010-11-05T18:00:00.001-04:00

by Brenda Jackson

This is two novels published in one book. Both were previously published and tell tales of finding love in the workplace.

In Strictly Confidential Attraction, Alison Lind has always been attracted to her boss, Mark Hartman, but even though the two work really close together she has always been able to stay completely professional. Mark's live-in nanny to his neice has to leave unexpectedly and asks Alison to fill in temporarily. Yeah, being in close proximity like that takes a toll on the whole professional thing!

Renee Williams is a hospital social worker whose job is help patients navigate their health crises. Taking Care of Business finds her helping the matriarch of a wealthy Manhattan family navigate the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis. When the son wants to show his gratitude, she soon finds he has romantic ulterior motives, but Renee has misgivings about being a part of that moneyed world. Never mind the whole interracial thing...

74. The Warmth of Other Suns

2010-11-04T18:00:00.002-04:00

The Epic Story of America's Great Migration
by Isabel Wilkerson

Epic is right! As you can tell by the past posts of my blog, I'm not a huge reader of books about history. I'm not sure why, but I'd much rather get lost in a work of fiction, or in someone's personal story than to read a book about historical events. However, I've been fortunate that when I do go out on a limb and climb out of my reading comfort zone, I'm always pleasantly surprised.

I received an advanced copy of this book back in early summer, but because it was so thick, I decided not to read it just then but save it for the cooler months. When it was finally published, the reviews were so incredible that I went ahead and picked it up. If you know anything about American history and slavery in this country then you are already familiar with the migration that African-Amercians made as they left the confines of their lives in the South for hopefully brighter pastures in the North. What you probably don't know is this movement started in the right after slavery ended and well into the 1970's.

Wilkerson centers her book on the stories of three individuals of varying degrees of education and economic status, who hailed from three different states and migrated to three different areas of the country in three different time periods, for three different reasons. So while you are learning about an important part of American history, you are really reading the biographies of three people, making the story relatable and interesting.

I'm definitely glad I picked this up and I learned so much while reading. On a side note, I was at work a couple weeks ago in the office talking with a co-worker. Then over the radio a cashier asks if we have any more copies of The Warmth of Other Suns in the store because the author was here to sign them. I hopped out of my chair in mid-sentence and ran out to the sales floor. Luckily, I was in the middle of reading it and had my copy with me so Ms. Wilkerson could sign. Doret & I were so excited to meet her (authors are like rockstars to us)! We also had good news for her because Debbie Allen had been in earlier in the week and bought 30 copies of the book and was trying to get in touch with her.

73. Oh No She Didn't

2010-11-03T18:00:00.001-04:00

The Top 100 Style Mistakes Women Make and How to Avoid Them
by Clinton Kelly

I'm a huge fan of the television show What Not to Wear and watch it since the very first season with Stacy London and Wayne Scot Lukas. For some reason (probably because of his unkempt appearance - purely my opinion) Lukas was replaced in Season Two with Clinton Kelly. Good decision, I think. Clinton is way more put together, fashion-wise, and his rapport with Stacy is engaging.

Clinton has written two other books: Freakin' Fabulous (I reviewed it here), and Dress Your Best, co-authored with Stacy. This new book, like the others, focuses on style, but it is more in keeping with the show and what not do do. It hilariously countdowns 100 things that women do wrong in fashion with accompanying photos (please don't miss the camel toe picture).

While it's not a book that I will go back and refer to for fashion advice, it made me laugh out loud often and I'm glad I read it.

72. Urban Mindfulness

2010-10-18T10:26:00.000-04:00

Cultivating Peace, Presence and Purpose in the Middle of It All
by Jonathan Kaplan

I am an urban dweller and I think I always will be. Nothing against the meticulously planned suburbs or the tranquil quiet of the country, but I need to be able to go to a museum at a moment's notice or have Chinese food magically appear when I want it. But as much as I love living in the city, it seems like a lot of other people do as well. And that can lead to noise, strange smells, crowds and other by-products of lots of humans living in a combined space. Urban Mindfulness offers us a Zen approach to dealing with the situations that arise from city life.

The short chapters cover such topics as roommates, pets, waiting in lines, public transportation and finding pockets of nature. I read through this pretty quickly as I skipped the things that didn't apply to me (roommates, pets), but that is encouraged by the author. One of my favorites tips was regarding the sound of sirens that we hear constantly living in the city (especially my neighborhood). Instead of covering our ears or complaining about how the emergency vehicles speeding through traffic is inconveniencing us, why don't we send positive thoughts, blessings and prayers (take your pick) to the professionals as they do their jobs and for the well-being of any victims involved. It doesn't cost a thing and it can change your whole perspective on things.

It's a short, quick read filled with powerful anecdotes for urban life.

71. Once Upon a Holiday

2010-10-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

Holiday Heat - Beverly Jenkins
Candy Christmas - Adrianne Byrd
Chocolate Truffles - Kimberly Kaye Terry

I know it is a little early for Christmas themed reading, but I work in retail and it is already the holidays in my world. This steamy collection find our heroines reluctantly falling in love. In Holiday Heat a serious, professional ATF agent lets her guard down during a Halloween masked ball and has the time of her life while staying anonymous. Candy Christmas shows how competition in business can lead to a lot more. A one-time chance encounter with a stranger turns into another chance when they meet again in a classroom setting in Chocolate Truffles. A satisfying quick read to get you in the mood for the holidays.

Catching Up

2010-10-01T09:51:00.000-04:00

My reading has slowed down a bit because I picked a couple of lengthy tomes last month that I'm still working on. I will post about those when I finish them. But in the meantime, here's what I've recently read:

66. The Night Gardener
by George Pelecanos
Pelecanos is in my top 2 favorite mystery writers (Walter Mosley being the other) and I am never disappointed with his work. In The Night Gardener, a teenager is found dead in a community garden and the crime is reminiscent of a series of similar ones that took place in the same manner around 20 years earlier. And while the crime at the center of the novel is important, the main focus is on the three policemen working the case. All were around when the original crimes occurred and recognize that this could be related. Their lives have since taken them in different directions, but this morbid trip down memory lane rejuvenates them somewhat. As always with Pelecanos, the city of D.C. is a major character as well. I will read anything this dude writes.

67. What a Westmoreland Wants
by Brenda Jackson
Another must-read author for me when I want a really well-written romance book. Callum Austell is a ranch owner from Australia, here in America to help a friend run his own ranch. He falls in love with his friends little sister and waits three years to let her know how he feels by offering her the opportunity to decorate his newly built home. Oh, and the house is in Australia. Callum hopes that by getting her on his turf he can convince her to take him seriously.

68. Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self
by Danielle Evans
That title alone is awesome. Need I say more? Magnificently well-written books like this are the reason that I'm beginning to really like short story collections. With the exception of one or two, most of these stories focus on young African-American or mixed-race women who are struggling with their current or past realities. In one, a mixed-race teen who is sent to spend the summer in the South with her White grandmother is faced head-on with issues of race and family. In another, two young girls sneaking out to the club with fake i.d.'s make radically different decisions that affect the outcome of their night. I loved that each of these stories are not wrapped up with a pretty bow and they can easily stand alone as novel when fleshed out. Treat yourself to this book.

69. Twice the Temptation
by Rochelle Alers
In the latest in The Eatons series, Denise Eaton is faced with the abrupt news that the rent on the building that houses the day-care center she worked to hard to open is being raised to a level that she can't afford. The company that is her new landlord is owned by her ex-boyfriend from college who offers her a deal to pose as his girlfriend for the summer in exchange for keeping the rent affordable. It's all a part of Rhett Ferrell's revenge plot to pay her back for breaking up with him and dating his sworn enemy.

70. The Style Checklist: The Ultimate Wardrobe Essentials For You
by Lloyd Boston
Although you wouldn't guess it by seeing me in my work "uniform" every day, I read a lot about fashion. There are a lot of books out there to help to build your wardrobe, but none as well thought out or comprehensive as this one. Boston gives you timeless essentials to help you get dressed for all occasions and even shows you how to mix and match and add in more trendier options when they arise. The best thing about this book is that you can pick it up again in 10 years and the clothes and accessories will still be relevant. Loved it!

Synchronicity

2010-09-07T09:58:00.000-04:00

I was just having a conversation with myself while making a cup of tea. You see I had a meltdown of sorts at work yesterday and was going over the events again wondering what I could have done differently. And I was telling myself to let those events go, which is hard for those of us who live under the sign of Cancer because that is what we do. Then I read my horoscope for today:

"You could be licking your wounds today, but the crucial issue is not about anything that occurs in the present moment. Your obsession with a past event can actually block the flow of feelings. Gently bring your thoughts and fantasies back to where you are now. Keep in mind that you don't want to miss the good stuff that is right in front of you."

Talk about perfect timing....

65. One Flight Up

2010-09-01T12:00:00.002-04:00

by Susan Fales-Hill

In the past year I've read a few novels that take place in modern New York City. There were a couple that tried to tackle the topics of the new generation of women struggling with career vs. staying at home, gentrification into whatever is the hot neighborhood of the moment, and celebrities wanting a "normal" life. One even tried, unsuccessfully, to take on the race question. It was laughable. The ones that turned me off the most were billed as sort of Sex and The City hybrids, where former party girls were finally settling down and having families.

So I was a bit hesitant when I saw One Flight Up, especially with the picture of the brownstone on the cover. I hadn't read any reviews and just didn't want to be disappointed again. But, on the other hand, I'm a sucker for a brownstone on the cover of a book, so I went ahead and picked it up. Glad I did.

One Flight Up follows the lives of four women (it's always four, isn't it?) in Manhattan as they work on their "happily-ever-afters". India, the mixed-race daughter of a drama queen British actress, makes her living as a a divorce lawyer. She is safely ensconced in a relationship with a French chef, but her lack of faith in love as well as unfinished business with an ex, make it difficult for her to commit fully. The other three women are India's former classmates at an upscale private girls school. There's Abby, who supports the artistic dreams of her philandering husband, but struggles with her own desires. Esme is the (almost stereotypical) fiery, Brazilian heiress who finds herself married to a loving husband and living in the suburbs. But that doesn't stop her from having lots of fun on the side. And then there's Monique, an African-American gynecologist who was India's nemesis in high school. Monique married for love and security, but now finds herself needing a little more passion. During the course of the book, each woman is forced to examine and re-examine her life and priorities.

What I Liked: I liked that although these were obviously women who made lots of money and were successful in their careers, I didn't feel beaten over the head with it. Yes, they can afford lavish vacations, and pricey material objects, but compared to some other books I've read, the label- and name-dropping were pretty much kept to a minimum. In essence, the problems that these women had weren't just rich people problems, they are universal. The conversations surrounding race were interesting and sometimes uncomfortable, just as they are in real life.

What I Disliked: There were a couple passages about India's ex that were a bit redundant. It was nothing major, just an extra explanation that wasn't needed.

A Busy Month (Hopefully)

2010-09-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

If I act like a good girl and honor my commitments to myself, then September should be a busy month for me. That's because it is National Yoga Month, National Sewing Month, and Monday starts the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine's (PCRM) 21-Day Vegan Challenge.

Now, ideally, I would like to commit to practicing yoga and sewing everyday, but as I'm notoriously lazy, I doubt that will happen but I will do my best. The one thing I can commit to doing is reading more about the subjects. You know I'm always down to read a good book. So here are my choices to commemorate this busy month:

NATIONAL YOGA MONTH

The Subtle Body: The Story of Yoga In America
by Stefanie Syman

NATIONAL SEWING MONTH

Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face, Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask
by Barbara Weiland Talbert

I have a lot of books on sewing in my library, but I rarely sit down and read them cover to cover. I just reference them when I have a question. This little book is just full of tips and tricks and I will go through every page.

Because New York Fashion Week is also this month, I will be reading this:

Nina Garcia's Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion

21-DAY VEGAN CHALLENGE
This is the one thing that I will definitely be doing everyday. I get recipes from all over the place but will use a couple of books and cookbooks as well.

Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook
by Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Romero

Quick & Easy Vegan Comfort Food: 65 Everyday Meal Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner With over 150 Great-Tasting, Down-Home Recipes
by Alicia C. Simpson

By Any Greens Necessary: A Revolutionary Guide for Black Women Who Want to Eat Great, Get Healthy, Lose Weight and Look Phat
by Tracye Lynn McQuirter

Join me if you want. Inspire me if you will. Support me if you can!

64. Gunn's Golden Rules

2010-08-31T12:00:00.002-04:00

Life's Little Lessons For Making It Work
by Tim Gunn (w/ Ada Calhoun)
Publication Date: September 7, 2010

If you are watching Project Runway this season and especially the team challenge* recently, you know that there is another side to Tim Gunn. His admonishment to the losing team about letting a team member control and bully them may have seemed harsh to some people, but when you read this book you will realize that Gunn has a brutally honest side and isn't afraid to show it.

In essence, this is a modern day etiquette/life coaching book that has 18 principles you can apply to any situation in your life. The difference between this and an Emily Post or a Dr. Phil tome is that Gunn peppers each lesson with very personal stories from his personal and work lives.

What I Liked: I'm sure Tim Gunn frowns on the word gossip, but the dishy stories he included about such fashion notables as Anna Wintour and Diane von Furstenburg are hilarious and telling. I also liked that he included lots of his own background, allowing us to see a side of him that Project Runway doesn't show.

What I Disliked: Nothing really. I pretty much loved every word.

*Sidenote: This is my favorite episode of the season. Lots of drama. I've already watched it twice and may watch it again today if time allows.

63. Getting To Happy

2010-08-30T12:00:00.001-04:00

by Terry McMillan
Publication Date: September 7, 2010

I am not a fan of sequels. I rarely like them as movies. I definitely don't like them as books. I wasn't always this way. Years ago, if I really enjoyed a book, I wanted it to go on forever and ever. Well written characters make you feel that you want to know everything that happens in their lives until they all die. Also, there was a time when there wasn't nearly as much fiction by African-American authors being published, so when I got my hands on one and found characters that I knew and could relate to, I just didn't want to let go.

Nowadays, of course, the publishing field has opened up quite a bit and there is lots of fiction out there that I am eager to get my hands on. Because of that, it has been easier to be done with a book when I'm finished with it, appreciate it for what it is and move on. I don't need to obsess over what happened next. Waiting to Exhale was published during my "need for a sequel" phase, but because Ms. McMillan did such a great job creating well-rounded characters with rich experiences, that I never wondered what happened to Savannah, Bernadine, Robin and Gloria.

Getting to Happy, picks up 15 years later from where Exhale left off. The four women are still very close friends, but life has sometimes gotten in the way of them connecting as often as they would like. They have settled (sometimes literally) into marriages, careers, and the lives of their children, but they are still the funny, sarcastic and strong women that you know and love. I don't want to give any specific plot points away, because I think this book should be enjoyed with no preconcieved ideas.

What I Liked: Having read Exhale at least 3 times, I felt like I re-connected with the characters almost immediately, as they still have the same voices. The issues that those of us of a certain age (40's, 50's) are explored really quite well and you don't feel hit over the head with messages about getting older. There are some shocking revelations made about people you met in the first book that surprised me and I was happy about it.

What I Disliked: There was one relationship that happened a little to easy for my taste, but I also know that we aren't teenagers anymore and the courting process is much quicker at our age! We don't have a lot of time for chit-chat and games. At this point we know what we like and what we'll put up with. :) (Am I getting too personal, here? LOL)

Sidenote #1: While reading this book, the voices that I heard were the voices of the actresses who appeared in the movie version of Exhale. Gloria was Loretta Devine. Bernadine was Angela Bassett. Robin was Lela Rochon. Savannah was....not Whitney Houston. For some reason that voice was Terry McMillan herself. Not sure why.

Sidenote #2: Loretta Devine is a customer at my job when she is in town (usually on a Tyler Perry project) and she is as nice and delightful as you would imagine her to be. I can't say the same for some of the other actresses that came through while they were here filming for colored girls...

62. Broke, USA

2010-08-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

From Pawnshops to Poverty, Inc. - How the Working Poor Became Big Business
by Gary Rivlin

Unfortunately, I had to return this book to work before I could finish it, but I really liked it. The subtitle sums up everything. All of the businesses that rise up where poor people congregate: check-cashing stores, title loans, pawnshops, rent-to-own furniture stores, etc., are discussed. And, yes, for those of us who haven't had to use these services (yet), it seems like these places are designed to take advantage of the people who patronize them. But this book gives you the other side of the story as well, interviewing the proprietors and managers who aren't always the greedy boogiemen we've made them out to be. One of the men said that you can think what you want about those places, but after working in other industries where people were not so nice, the customers of his check-cashing store are always happy to see him and leave smiling. I can't say that of the retail store where I work.

There is also quite a bit of coverage of the sub-prime mortgage industry and how it became so prevalent. Most interesting were the stories of the people who noticed it happening first and have been working tirelessly for the last 15 years as whistleblowers and lobbying Congress to gain attention to this catastrophe. The Atlanta connection was really strong in these chapters as well.

Highly recommend it.

Quick Romances

2010-08-28T09:00:00.023-04:00

59. Control
by Kayla Perrin

A young waitress' dream comes true when she meets and marries a wealthy, older, businessman whom she truly loves. Life with him exposes her to the finer things in life while also helping to make her goal of owning her own flower shop a reality. But years of his controlling behavior soon become hard to take as well as the appearance of a handsome stranger who is hard to resist.

60. Can't Get Enough of You
by Bette Ford

Jenna Gaines returns to her hometown of Detroit after working on Wall Street, to teach at her alma mater. She is thrilled to be home. However, also home (and enrolled as a student) is her former college sweetheart and fiance who has retired from the NBA and is starting on the next phase of his life. How long can she avoid him when he knows so much about her? Especially as she begins the search for her long lost brother and sister.

61. Only Hers (The Taggart Brothers)
by Francis Ray

When her job as a nurse in St. Louis becomes too stressful, Shannon Johnson hopes a vacation at a cabin in Texas she inherited from a patient will be just what she needs. However the owner of the ranch next door (and nephew to the deceased patient) is convinced she has ulterior motives and is there to steal his land.

58. Substitute Me

2010-08-24T10:54:00.002-04:00

a novel
by Lori Tharps

A young, White, professional mother and wife, Kate, places an ad for a nanny for her baby when she must return to work from an extended maternity leave. She is looking for a "substitute me", someone who will care for her child as well as she does. She hires Zora, a 30 year old African-American women who is still trying to decide what to do with her life, much to her successful family's dismay. Even though Kate's husband, Craig, isn't too keen on the idea of having a Black nanny, it turns out to be a great match as Zora takes on more duties like cooking (she is professionally trained) and housekeeping.

Everything goes pretty smoothly, but Kate's demanding job requires that Zora spends more and more time at the couples' home and it becomes tricky when certain secrets come to light.

WHAT I LIKED:
I liked the Zora character a lot. Her lack of direction and inability to focus on a career really resonated with me as I sometimes feel the same way. Even though being a nanny was not her long-term goal, she put every effort in to do the best job she could and I admire that sort of work ethic.

WHAT I DISLIKED:
The dialogue at times was written really dry. It made it hard to stay excited about reading the book because it felt like something was missing. Still can't quite put my finger on it. Also, I wasn't very happy with the ending, it felt like it wrapped up really quickly. This wasn't a great book, though it wasn't a bad book. It was kind of okay.

56. Zebratown

2010-08-24T10:22:00.001-04:00

The True Story of a Black Ex-Con And A White Single Mother In Small Town America

by Greg Donaldson

The subtitle sums it all up, doesn't it? Charles is an ex-con from Brooklyn who spent quite a bit of time in the prison system. While in the Elmira facility he would look out the window at the town of Elmira and imagine it as a perfect place to settle upon his release. He hopes that it will be easier to stay out of trouble there than back home in Brooklyn.

Kathy, his soon to be girlfriend, is like a lot of young, white women in Elmira and the surrounding areas. They struggle to build good lives for themselves and their children, but at the same time they are drawn to the mystery and danger that surround the young Black men that move to the area.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK:
This isn't an attempt to solve a problem or teach a lesson. It just follows two people as they try to overcome the obstacles that life gives them. Very clear and interesting. Like watching a documentary.

WHAT I DISLIKED ABOUT THE BOOK:
Nothing really. I did dislike some decisions made and some people involved, but that has nothing to do with the writing or the book itself.

57. Taste of Honey

2010-08-17T19:00:00.000-04:00

Stories
by Jabari Asim

A novel told in the form of connected short stories about an African-American community on the verge of change in the late '60's. The Jones' family is the main focus: Reuben, the artistic father, Pristine, the mother who holds it all together, Schomburg, the oldest son who is flirting with the new radical Black nationalist movement, and Crispus, the youngest son who features prominently in most of the stories.

WHAT I LIKED:
The writing is beautiful and captures accurately the voices, actions, and diversity of the Black community at that time. It not only talks about some of the racial and anti-war upheaval that happened then, but also touches on domestic violence and police brutality.

WHAT I DISLISKED:
The ending was a tad bit predictable, but well-written, so I forgave it.

...not that I'll ever use it...

2010-08-09T22:08:00.002-04:00

Trying to set up mobile blogging.

July Romance Roundup - #37 - 55

2010-08-09T17:25:00.001-04:00

July was a rough month for me. I had a birthday and I lost a family member who I should have been closer to. Emotional times all around. So what do I do when I feel that way? In addition to reaching for chocolate (which thankfully I didn't consume a lot of), I also reach for books that will assure me a happy ending. Yes, I read all of these - they only take a couple hours apiece.

No synopsis' this time. I just didn't have the energy. But they are all good! Especially Brenda Jackson & Adrianne Byrd...

The Week of Firsts

2010-07-14T12:00:00.002-04:00

As someone born under the zodiac sign of Cancer, I am not a super adventurous person. I'm also finding that as I get older, I'm less willing to take risks and this is holding me back from a lot of things. There was a time back in the day when I thought nothing of packing all of my stuff and moving across country (sending my boxes there for free using a hijacked shipping account from a record label, but I digress...). Because the tedium of my life is really starting to f**k with me, I find myself longing for those days. Now, I'm not packing up and moving across country (really tempting, though), but I am making do with small changes.

For the first time ever, I made the perfect pot of brown rice. I found the recipe here at Saveur.com and I tell you it worked great. The secret is to treat the rice like it is pasta. You boil it in large amounts of water, strain it, return it to the pot and just let it steam for 10 minutes. There was no clumping (Deanna) and every grain was separate and perfect.

This morning, for the first time, I used an Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinse on my locs. I'm not sure why I've never done this before. The vinegar acts like an astringent and clears out all of the product buildup and flaking from your hair. I've been having some problems with dry scalp and itching, so I tried it out. You'll have to check with me later for the results, because my hair is still wet and up in a towel as I type this! :)

So, its only Wednesday (I think. Working in retail messes up your sense of days.), and I've tried two new, albeit small, things and will hopefully fit in some more before the week is over.

Oh, last week I tried something new, too. I turned 45 years old for the very first time! And now I plan on aging backwards....

30. Platinum

2010-07-01T09:10:00.002-04:00

by Aliya S. King

Aliya S. King knows what she's talking about. For years she has written for such magazines as Vibe, Essence, and US Weekly. She co-wrote Faith Evans' memoir Keep the Faith and the upcoming Frank Lucas book Original Gangster. She has been around hip-hop and celebrities and she probably knows some secrets.

Platinum is her first novel and she has drawn upon all her experience to bring us a juicy debut all about the world of hip-hop. Alex Maxwell is a freelance journalist who is ghostwriting a memoir by video vixen Cleopatra Wright. Cleopatra's book promises to tell all about her exploits with some of the biggest names in hip-hop and she's naming those names. At the same time, a magazine that Alex freelance's for assigns her a story to cover a day in the life of the wives of successful hip-hop artists. Meanwhile, she is planning her wedding to an up and coming rapper - a relationship that no one knows about. How does she make sure that all these worlds don't collide?

When you hear the term "beach read", seldom are books by African-American authors mentioned. But I can tell you that this is the perfect book to take with you to the beach or pool or your own backyard this summer. You will also try to guess if these characters are based on real people and who are they! An awesome, page-turner that takes you inside the lives behind the celebrity.

37. Un-Nappily in Love

2010-06-30T09:00:00.001-04:00

by Trisha R. Thomas

This is the fifth book in the "Nappily" series and I'm still loving it! In this installment Venus and Jake are still going strong in their adopted home of Atlanta. Venus' flower shop is doing well and growing everyday. Jake is stepping back out into the spotlight as "JP" with a new career as an actor. What could possibly go wrong?

Well, if you're a fan of these books, you know that in every one there is an outside challenge to Venus & Jake's relationship and the plot revolves how they deal with it and come out on the other side. This time it is Jake's costar, Sirena Lassiter, a successful music diva whose career he helped to launch back in the day. Jake is devoted to Venus, but Sirena is hoping to rekindle the magic of their youth and will do anything to break up their marriage.

As you know, Venus is no stranger to protecting her family from outside attacks, but now the tabloids and the paparazzi add an interesting twist to the mix. I kinda hope this series goes on forever.

36. Half Broke Horses

2010-06-29T10:21:00.000-04:00

A True-Life Novel
by Jeannette Walls

By now everyone should have read The Glass Castle, one of the best memoirs I've ever read. It was hugely popular a couple of years ago and still sells quite well. It told the story of Jeannette Walls' childhood being raised by pretty unorthodox parents. After its success, she set out to tell her mother Rose Mary's story. But Rose Mary convinced her that the story of her mother, Walls' grandmother, was way more interesting and book worthy.

And right she was. Lily Casey was born on a horse ranch in West Texas and by the age of six was helping her father to tame wild horses. You know that the story that you are about to embark on is going to be incredible the minute that, at age 15, she leaves home to teach in a frontier town - and gets there (500 miles away) alone and on a pony. Her life takes her from town to town teaching, a short stint as a cleaning woman in Chicago, and running a ranch with her husband in Arizona. Along the way, she has children, learns to drive (this was back when cars were scarce) and to fly a plane.

Walls' has written this as a novel, but all of the situations are true and verifiable. I know that women today feel overwhelmed with all that they have to do and the word multi-tasking is a permanent part of our vocabulary, but reading about Lily and everything she accomplished, largely without running water, electricity or much help at all, is truly inspiring. I would recommend this to adults as well as preteens and teenagers.

31. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives

2010-06-26T09:36:00.001-04:00

by Lola Shoneyin

Another fiction debut. Lots of good first time novelists this year, don't you think?

Set in modern day Nigeria, this book is about the secrets that Baba Segi's wives are keeping, as the titles suggest. Baba Segi is a well to do man with a 3 wives and 7 children. Iya Segi is his first wife and therefore the head of the household. Iya Tope is his second wife, a shy, fearful woman. Iya Femi is his third wife, who blends into the house but has motives of her own. The introduction of the fourth wife, Bolanle into the family unlocks the secrets kept by the other wives and threatens to destroy the whole family unit.

The story is told mostly through the voices of each of the wives as they lay out how each came to be married to Baba Segi (not necessarily the type of man to draw hoards of women to him). Their stories are interesting and complex, most notably when their choice of polygamy crashes against the more modern practices of the world around him. Loved it.

Sidenote: Lola Shoneyin is the daughter-in-law of Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka

34. Bitch is the New Black

2010-06-21T14:56:00.000-04:00

A Memoir
by Helena Andrews

If you've been paying attention for the past few months, you would have heard about conversations, TV shows, books, and even town hall meetings dealing with the subject of single, successful, Black women and their difficulty in finding suitable partners (and somehow how it is their own fault). I have stayed out of these conversations for the most part because although I am single (waaaay too single) and Black (I actually prefer African-American), what I'm decidedly not is successful. Now as a moderately enlightened person, I know that successful is in the eye of the beholder. But for the purpose of this national conversation, successful means educated (possessing one or more university degrees) and making a high 2 figure or 3 figure salary in a career with an upward trajectory and therefore not needing a man to take care of you. I, on the other hand, dropped out of college (ran out of money & motivation - I learn way more from just books) and have no desire to return and I have a JOB not a career. And while I do have 2 nickles to rub together, if I lost one I'd be in trouble.

In this memoir, told in the form of essays, Helena Andrews chronicles her life so far - an only child raised by a lesbian mother between Catalina Island and Compton, graduate of a prestigious East Coast university, successful career in journalism living in our nation's capital. Being a single woman in DC is notoriously difficult because of several things: the transient nature of the population (they come & go every 4-8 years, and it's a company town driven by dreams of power, not very conducive to romance. Andrews relates her dating dilemmas hilariously and doesn't hold anything back. I see Bitch is the New Black as an answer to the above national conversation that seems to blame Black women for our inability to find a "good man". She is putting a real life face to it and shows that there are no cut & dried answers.

My favorite thing about the book though are her friendships with her girlfriends. A lot of their conversations remind me of ones I've had with my friends (but we didn't have Facebook & IM-ing, we did it the old-fashioned way on the phone). Despite our apparent age and lifestyle differences, I could really relate to Andrews and her adventures navigating the adult world of dating and careers. You will find yourself laughing out loud in several places and crying in others. Definitely worth all the hype.

35. 32 Candles

2010-06-21T14:29:00.001-04:00

A Novel
by Ernessa T. Carter

The other day on Twitter, a friend asked my how do I fit in time to read with all of the television that I watch. In an earlier post I talked about doing most of my reading on my commute, which pretty much guarantees me about 10 hours of reading a week. When I get home I am usually watching tv and surfing the 'net (is that term still relevant?). Rarely do I pick up a book at home because the television will always distract me. But last Thursday & Friday, I was so engrossed in 32 Candles, that I have no idea what shows were on. And I missed my self-appointed bedtimes both nights, reluctant to put it down. I read it in two days, it was that good.

Davie is a modern day Celie growing up in a small town in Mississippi. Her looks and station in life have rendered her invisible to those around her and she prefers it that way. Sent to the movies one day while her mother "entertains" a gentleman friend, Davie discovers the movie Sixteen Candles and though she knows that life probably isn't attainable for her, it does help her to dream. In school she is saddled with the nickname, "Monkey Night" and a crush on the richest most popular guy in school, James Farrell. A traumatic event is the last straw and Davie runs away to Los Angeles, where she reinvents herself as a lounge singer. Years go by in her new life and then she bumps into none other than James Farrell himself. Will her Sixteen Candles dream come true or will he still see her as old "Monkey Night".

This is one of the funniest, smartest books I have read in a long time. Ernessa T. Carter, in her first novel, has managed to create an iconic character in Davie who you, of course, find yourself rooting for from start to finish. But don't sleep, though. You may feel sympathetic towards her, but she's got some tricks up her sleeve! Definitely on my favorites list this year.

33. One Amazing Thing

2010-06-21T12:02:00.000-04:00

by Chitra Banarjee Divakaruni

I do most of my reading on my commute to and from work and because I work in a bookstore there are rules about bringing in books and other items that we sell. If you bring in something you own that is also an item that we sell, someone on the management team has to put a sticker on it to show that it is your personal property. So, to escape that hassle, I tend to read advance reader's copies (ARCs) that don't have bar codes and aren't for resale and therefore don't need to be stickered. Recently I needed to find a book fast to take on the train with me and I found an ARC that I got about a year ago and never picked up. That's how I finally read One Amazing Thing.

Having loved The Mistress of Spices, her first novel (and one that I picked up solely because the cover was beautiful), I knew I would not be disappointed. One Amazing Thing takes place in an Indian passport and visa office in the basement of a building in an unnamed American city (but I'm assuming its San Francisco). The people in the waiting room are from several ethnic and racial backgrounds, age groups and income levels. When an earthquake hits and traps them in the office, the eclectic bunch have to learn to work together and put aside their differences and prejudices. To pass the time while they await rescue, they take turns telling a story from their lives - usually one that has helped to define them.

Because the novel has each character tell their own tale, it sometimes feels like a set of short stories and that makes it a quick read. Divakaruni is able to showcase the humanity of each person while keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering about their survival.

32. My Fair Lazy

2010-06-09T09:59:00.001-04:00

One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover If Not Being A Dumb Ass Is the New Black, Or a Culture-Up Manifesto

by Jen Lancaster

If you are wondering why the numbers of these posts sometimes don't appear in order, it's because I read a lot of books long before they are released and I schedule the posts closer to the publication date. So, there you go.

I don't really need to tell you that I loved this book, because I have loved every book she's written and I'm sure that I will love whatever she writes next. So, there you go.

In this one, Lancaster finds that all of her reality tv watching may have left her a little lacking in knowledge of all things cultural. So she sets off to smarten herself up. Her plan is to read classic literature, attend dance performances and the opera, learn about wine pairings (an act that involves dragging along her poor husband), and eating the World (sampling cuisine from different countries). All this has to happen while writing her next book, embarking on a book tour for her current book, moving to a new house when mold threatens to take over the old one, dealing with the illnesses of her pets, and adopting 3 feral kittens. Does that sound funny?

It is. So, there you go.

29. The Madonnas of Echo Park

2010-06-08T08:37:00.000-04:00

by Brando Skyhorse

I have been talking a lot about this book at work because it just excites me. One of the marketing blurbs about it that I read said that it will do for Mexican-Americans what Junot Diaz's The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (which I LOVED) did for Dominican-Americans. What that means is that there isn't a lot of mainstream fiction that displays the lives of the various ethnic communities in this country. Especially of the non-white ones.

What makes this book special is the author's note at the beginning that explains the childhood incident that provoked Skyhorse to write these stories. It is brilliant and that's all I will say about that.

The Madonnas of Echo Park is a collection of related, intertwined short stories that follow the lives of the Mexican residents of this neighborhood, a community in Los Angeles. Yes, there are day-laborers, maids and bus drivers, but, like the neighborhoods we all live in, their lives and motivations are diverse. The one event that all of this revolves around is the accidental murder of a toddler in front of the local corner store.

The first line sets the tone - We slipped into this country like thieves, onto the land that once was ours.

I'm going to say this word again, Brilliant. Go buy this book right now.

28. i know i am but what are you?

2010-06-08T07:54:00.000-04:00

by Samantha Bee

If you are a fan of the Daily Show, then you know who Samantha Bee as one of the hilarious "correspondents" featured. In this book of essays, Bee gives insight into her upbringing in Canada. And from these stories, its easy to see how she came to be a comedian.

My favorite chapter is "man-witch", which finds Bee deep into a crush on Jesus. And not just a regular crush, she saw him as her boyfriend.

"My Jesus was cool. He looked like Kris Kristofferson circa A Star Is Born, only with penetrating blue eyes and a nonthreatening admiration for children that I, as a child, both understood and appreciated. He wore a freshly pressed robe all the time, but you knew He had a great ass and could have pulled off a pair of jeans and worn-out cowboy boots, even if you weren't sure why you would want that."

What's the one thing that could complicate a young girl's dating relationship with Jesus? A mother who is Wiccan. This leads to one of the funniest scenes in the book as Samantha's mother takes her to a Wiccan wedding ceremony, where she is sure that she will be sacrificed to Satan as a virgin.

26. Hidden Pleasures

2010-06-01T09:00:00.002-04:00

by Brenda Jackson

Late for his cousin's NYC wedding, and risking possible bodily harm because of it, Galen Steele steals a cab outside of his hotel from Brittany Thrasher. He stops for a moment to admire her beauty and is tempted to get to know her better, but duty calls. Brittany, an etiquette coach, is appalled by his behavior, but manages to make her flight back to Florida.

Circumstances from her past finds Brittany in Phoenix to take care of some business. But it turns out the the rude stranger who stole her cab months ago in New York is standing between her and what she wants. Galen agrees to release to her what she wants if she agrees to live with him as his lover for one week.

LOL! Yes, its an improbable situation, but that's why I love romance novels! Hidden Pleasures is Brenda Jackson's 75th book and this was as wonderful as the first!

27. The Island Beneath The Sea

2010-05-16T09:01:00.000-04:00

by Isabel Allende

For someone who is constantly asserting that she will no longer read books about slavery in the Americas, I have now read three of them this year. The first two were Wench and A Mercy. I made an exception for those books because Wench was just a new, fresh story and A Mercy was written by Toni Morrison ( if she writes it, I'm gonna read it).

Allende, who hails from South America, usually writes historical novels that revolve around Latin America, but its not much of a stretch that she has turned her attention to the Caribbean nation of Haiti. Island Beneath the Sea chronicles the years leading up to and beyond the Haitian Revolution. Toulouse Valmorain, a refined Frenchman, comes to Saint Domingue to visit his father who owns a sugar plantation there. Valmorain considers himself a cultured man, and while he doesn't object to wealth that it creates, has no desire to be involved with the operation and the institution of slavery that fuels it. But life has a different plan for him: his father dies and Valmorain is left in charge of a business he doesn't want.

The real protagonist of this story is Zarite, or Tete, a slave who is brought to the plantation as a child to care for Valmorian's wife. The book is interspersed with Tete's own first-person accounts of her life with the Valmorain's and the uncertainty of the future of the island.

This rich story is made even better by setting the stories of these two people against the backdrop of the beginning of the Haitian Revolution (Toussaint L'Ouverture makes an appearance), the practice of Voodoo by the slave population, and the lives of free people of color in Haiti & New Orleans.

Although I agree with Marlon James' (The Book of Night Women) review, where he says that Allende at times seems to just want to prove how much research she has done on Voodoo and Haitian history. There is one character that at times appears to exist only to make the reader more comfortable with the practice of Voodoo. Aside from that, I loved this book and I will be recommending it at work all summer long.